Philadelphia was a major center of the American gun trade in the early to mid-19th century, a major industrial center in general, and an early railway hub. Several of the cities' gunsmiths operated large and influential shops. Sprang & Wallace's production was more limited than many other Philadelphia makers, but the few firearms that survive with their markings demonstrate a clear eye towards quality. Shotguns, copies of Henry Deringer pocket pistols, and a few dueling pistol sets are all known with their markings. Their dueling sets are the rarest of these, and all American made dueling pistols are very scarce and highly sought out by collectors. There are many conflicting dates listed for the Spang & Wallace partnership. Based on listings in period Philadelphia directories their shop at 94 North 3rd Street was open from 1837 to 1857. They are listed in McElroy's Philadelphia City Directory during those years. Samuel Spang is listed alone in Desilver's directory for 1835-36 and in McElroy's 1858 directory as a sporting and tackle merchant and gunsmith. Many of Philadelphia's prominent gunmakers are listed as sporting goods retailers and gunmakers including Tryon. The identity of Wallace is unknown. He may have been one of the Wallace blacksmiths that appear in some directories in the period. Sprang is was initially listed as a merchant and latter appears as fishing tackle retailer. The partnership is listed initially as a sporting goods retailer and then later as retailers and gunsmiths. The pistols have dovetailed blade front sights, "SPANG & WALLACE. PHILA" stamped with separate stamps for each word on top of the smoothbore barrels, individual silver bands on the barrels at the breech, dual gold bands and gold plugs on the breeches, notch rear sights on the upper tang, traditional scroll and border engraving on most of the furniture, single set triggers, and nicely figured and checkered walnut half stocks with "piano finish" glossy varnish finish and silver thumb and wedge plates. They come in a fancy burl walnut case featuring deluxe corners and a large lid escutcheon and containing English fitted interior containing lead balls, screwdriver, cleaning rod, powder flask, "60" marked ball mold, a small powder measure, paper cap box with caps, and nipple wrench.

Very fine as possibly period refurbished overall with 90% of the brown, some pits under the finish, the front sight blade absent, crisp markings, vibrant case colors on the breech, lock, and trigger plate; bright niter blue on the trigger and adjustment screw, gray and brown patina on the balance of the iron, nice aged patina on the silver, and minor marks and scratches. The stock is very good and has crisp checkering, glossy varnish, some minor nicks and scratches, and spots of minor edge wear. Mechanically excellent. The relined case and accessories are very good with mild overall storage wear including some minor cracks.

See "A."

Very fine as possibly period refurbished overall with 95% brown finish, some minor pits on the barrel under the finish, vibrant case colors on the lock, breech, and trigger plate; gray patina on the trigger guard and forend cap, strong niter blue on the trigger and adjustment screw, and attractive aged patina on the silver. The stock is very good and has glossy varnish, crisp checkering, minor edge wear, and a few scattered small nicks and scratches. Mechanically excellent. This is a very attractive pair of dueling pistols by a rarely seen Philadelphia firm. American dueling pistols always get extra attention, and this pair certainly deserves a place in a fine collection.