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  • Auction Catalog #61
  • Lot #3294
Lot #3293
Lot #3295

Lot 3294: Unknown Percussion Pistol 32

"The Sure Defender" Single Shot Underhammer Percussion Pistol with Integral Brass Knuckles and Trench Dagger

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 2, 2014

Lot 3294: Unknown Percussion Pistol 32

"The Sure Defender" Single Shot Underhammer Percussion Pistol with Integral Brass Knuckles and Trench Dagger

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 2, 2014

Estimated Price: $4,000 - $7,000

"The Sure Defender" Single Shot Underhammer Percussion Pistol with Integral Brass Knuckles and Trench Dagger

Manufacturer: Unknown
Model: Percussion Pistol
Type: Pistol
Gauge: 32
Barrel: 2 inch slabsided
Finish: blue/bright
Grip: brass
Stock:
Item Views: 2252
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 126
Class: Antique
Description:

Manufactured by an unknown party, the Sure Defender shows a number of design similarities to the Dolne "Apache Pistol", having a hinged grip arrangement with a set of finger holes; when opened, the True Companion is a two-shot swivel barrel percussion pistol, and when folded it becomes a set of brass knuckles, with a swing-out dagger blade which, depending on configuration, serves as either a pistol bayonet or a trench-style knife. The only markings on the pistol are "THE SURE/DEFENDER" on top of the cast brass frame and "219" on the grip, hinge and trigger, with blue finished barrel and other components. The dagger measures 2 5/8 inches long with a triangular cross section and a flamberge-style waved edge profile, for an overall length of 6 1/4 inches when in 'trench knife' configuration and a weight of 11.2 ounces (0.70 lbs). The underhammer action operates with a steel spring mounted to the underside of the muzzle and a knurled striker and a spring loaded folding trigger. No information on this pistol was supplied by the consignor, though the aesthetic and mechanical similarities to the "True Companion" and another unmarked underhammer knuckleduster on this page suggest that they were manufactured by the same party, with the unmarked pistol being an early 'developmental' or 'prototype' model, and the Companion and Defender being evolutions of the design. Additionally the absence of proof house or import marks on the Companion and Defender suggest American manufacture.

Rating Definition:

Very good overall. The blue components show over 80% of the original finish, with areas of brown patina, bright edge wear and mild spotting. The brass is well aged with a few darker patches in the protected areas and a few nearly black patches of what once might have been a silver plate finish. Some light wear from contact with the blade is present on the left side of the barrel and frame. Some play is detectable in the hinges for the blade and grip, with the locking mechanism for the grip being weak. Mechanically very good.



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