This spectacular cased pair of percussion pistols was manufactured by one of America's finest makers of derringers, A.G. Genez of New York City, and engraved by one of America's most revered master engravers, L.D. Nimschke. Examples of A.G. Genez derringers in any condition are scarce. Rock Island Auction Company is proud to present for sale not one but two A.G. Genez derringers in the highest of conditions which boast museum quality. At his 9 Chambers Street shop (circa 1850-1875), A.G. Genez manufactured a variety of firearms with a majority of the surviving examples being single shot percussion pistols and percussion double barrel shotguns. A number of his works were embellished by L.D. Nimschke. Nimschke's engraved patterns specifically for Genez are referenced in R.L. Wilson's book "L.D. Nimschke, Firearms Engraver" (see pages, 30, 31, 36, 53 and 64). The illustrations show engraving patterns that match the style found on this pair. The pair is pictured on page 141 of the "Derringer in America" by R.L. Wilson and Doug Eberhart and pictured on pages 306-309 of "The Art of the Gun: Magnificent Colts, Selections from the Rober M. Lee Collection," Vol. II by Robert Lee and R.L. Wilson. The top of the barrel is signed "A.G. GENEZ, MAKER,/No. 9 Chambers St. N.Y." The lock plate is inscribed "AG GENEZ" inside a banner. Near full coverage of a beautifully executed fine floral scroll engraving is featured on the lock plate and barrel tang with additional engraved border work on the lock plate. The scrollwork extends to the hammer, breech plug, trigger guard, buttcap, barrel wedge and lock plate screw escutcheons. The trigger guard has a pineapple finial and a blank initial banner. The buttcap features a highly stylized "SWW" monogram and a cap compartment, which features a border and star burst engraving. The derringer has a brown barrel, silver trigger guard and buttcap, and platinum blowout plug, and the remaining metal surfaces are casehardened. Mounted with a smooth select American walnut stock featuring a single barrel wedge with silver oval escutcheons. Overall length is 6 inches. The partitioned leather bound case is lined in purple velvet and contains the following accessories: silver powder flask with ball compartments, blue finished "COLT'S PATENT" marked two cavity bullet mold, cleaning rod/ramrod, mallet and rosewood handle screwdriver and nipple wrench.

Excellent. The barrel retains 98% original brown finish showing some light high edge wear. The remaining metal surfaces retain 98% plus original vivid case colors. The silver is excellent. The stock is also excellent with a few minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine showing some high spot wear on the lining and wear to the leather. The leather straps and latch are detached. Do not miss your chance to own the finest Genez percussion derringers embellished by renowned master engraver L.D. Nimschke that we have ever offered at auction!

As described in "A."

Excellent. The barrel retains 98% original brown finish showing a spot of smooth gray patina near the muzzle. The remaining metal surfaces retain 98% plus original case colors. The silver is excellent. The stock is also excellent with a few minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: Robert M. Lee Collection.