Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNewsAbout Us
Create Account
Login
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNews & EventsAbout Us
Login
Create Account

History Lives Here

Rock Island Auction Company
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
RIAC Rock Island
7819 42nd Street West
Rock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
RIAC Bedford
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, Texas 76021, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
Navigation
  • Auctions
  • Consignment
  • Blog
  • FAQ
  • News
  • About Us
More Info
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Job Postings & Careers
  • Contact
  • Order a Catalog
© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.
Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.
  • Auction Catalog #73
  • Lot #68
Lot #67
Lot #69

Lot 68: Cased Sawhandle Percussion Target Pistol with Accessories

Exceptional Cased Finely Engraved and Gold Banded Unmarked American Saw-Handle Percussion Target Pistol with Accessories

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: April 13, 2018

Lot 68: Cased Sawhandle Percussion Target Pistol with Accessories

Exceptional Cased Finely Engraved and Gold Banded Unmarked American Saw-Handle Percussion Target Pistol with Accessories

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: April 13, 2018

Estimated Price: $14,000 - $22,500

Exceptional Cased Finely Engraved and Gold Banded Unmarked American Saw-Handle Percussion Target Pistol with Accessories

Manufacturer: American
Model: Percussion
Type: Pistol
Gauge: 38
Barrel: 9 3/4 inch part octagon
Finish: brown/casehardened/bright
Grip:
Stock: highly figured walnut
Item Views: 2525
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 46
Class: Antique
Description:

There are no markings found on this pistol, but the consignor has attributed it to Blunt & Syms of New York City in the 1830s to 1850s, and it certainly bears a resemblance to some of their work. Blunt & Syms manufactured some prototypes for Samuel Colt in the 1840s and are mostly known for their pepperbox handguns. The pistol has gold and platinum bands on the barrel, a German silver globe front sight, distinctive 7 inch long rear sight with elevation adjustment screw and very fine notch, unmarked back action lock with scroll engraving, plain German silver trigger with light pull, German silver furniture, an engraved bird inlay with a branch in its mouth (likely a dove with an olive branch) on the left side of the stock, horn forend cap, silver wedge escutcheons, and multi-point checkered round grip. The bird inlay may suggest this pistol was a peace offering of sorts. Given saw-handle pistols were often used in dueling, perhaps this was a peace offering after settling a disagreement with or without first exchanging shots. Whatever the case, this is a very attractive pistol. It comes in a hardwood case with French fitted interior containing the pistol, bore rod, key, short starter, compartments with patches and picket bullets, an oiler, a nickel powder flask, and a four cavity bullet mold that makes two round balls and two picket bullets at a time.

Rating Definition:

Very fine overall with 85% original brown with the balance a crisp patina along the barrel, smooth gray casehardened finish with hints of case colors on the lock and breech plug, attractive aged patina on the silver, and minor aging of the German silver. The grip cap is dented, and the forend cap is loose. The otherwise exceptionally fine stock has a couple of dents below the lock, most of the glossy finish, some areas of nice figure, crisp checkering, and some minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. The case is very good with moderate storage wear. One of the mold handles is loose, and the otherwise fine flask is cracked in the middle. The other accessories are all fine with storage wear. Overall, a very attractive target set with a very distinctive American saw-handle pistol.



Customer Product Questions

There are currently no customer product questions on this lot

    Related Items

    Lot #158: Engraved Smoothbore Percussion American Long Rifle

    Lot #1129: Lancaster Percussion American Long Rifle

    Lot #648: American Full Stock Percussion Rifle

    Lot #647: Engraved George Slaysman Signed Percussion American Long Rifle

    Lot #115: "SD "and "J. Shell" Signed Percussion American Long Rifle

    Lot #657: American Half Stock Superposed Load Percussion Rifle