Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentLatestFAQAbout us
Log InCreate Account
Rock Island Auction CompanyRock Island Auction Company
Contact us
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
Locations
Bedford, TX
3600 Harwood RoadBedford, Texas 76021, USA
Rock Island, IL
7819 42nd Street WestRock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
Hours
Monday - Friday8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Navigation
AuctionsConsignmentLatestFAQAbout usAccount
More Info
Terms & ConditionsPrivacy PolicyJob postings & CareersOrder a catalogContact
Social media
© 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.
Disconnected
Unable to connect to live update server, attempting reconnection. If this persists, please try refreshing your browser.
Disconnected state indicated by at top of page. If you cannot see this icon, you are connected.
Rock Island Auction Company
Hello.
Please Log In, or .

Home
Auctions
Consignment
Latest
FAQ
About us

  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 221

Lot 221:Alvin A. White Signed, Engraved, and Gold Inlaid Derringer

December 6th, 2019|Rock Island, IL
  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 221

Lot 221:Alvin A. White Signed, Engraved, and Gold Inlaid Derringer

December 6th, 2019|Rock Island, IL
Price Realized:
Login to viewLogin to view
Price obfuscated
Estimated Price$4,500 - $6,500
Log In to use Wishlists
Share

Iconic and Well-Documented Alvin A. White Signed, Engraved, and Gold Inlaid Derringer Percussion Pistol with Case from the Alvin White Collection

This pistol is an excellent display of the many talents of well-known Colt Master Engraver Alvin A. White. He is famous for his beautiful engraving of Colt firearms, but many of his other artistic talents are fairly unknown. These include carving, gunmaking, scrimshawing, and jewelry making, a few of which are masterfully displayed through this pistol. The action is casehardened, engraved and gold inlaid with beautiful detailed scenes of Greek mythology. The gold inlays appear to be Heracles slaying the Nemean lion on the left, likely the centaur Chiron training a Greek hero on the right, and what could be Perseus slaying the serpent Cetus on the bottom. There is also a gold inlaid cornucopia on the upper tang, bands on the barrel, borders, Zeus-like lightning bolts around the nipple, and the eyes of the serpentine hammer. The grip is a beautifully carved male lion head with gem type stones inset for the eyes. The top flat of the barrel is marked "A.A.WHITE/MAKER." Includes a French fit hardwood case, ball mold, powder flask, and key. This comes from the White collection, and is pictured in the book "Steel Canvas: The Art of American Arms" by Wilson on page 296. Photographed on pg. 295 of "Steel Canvas" by Wilson. Provenance: The Alvin White Collection

ConditionVery fine, retains 98% of the vivid case colors, bright gold inlays, and the barrel showing mostly a bright grey patina with some very light pitting. The grip is excellent with some age darkening and some light handling marks. Mechanically excellent. The accessories are very fine or better, and the case is fine with some light handling/storage marks.
Details
ManufacturerA. White
ModelDerringer
TypePistol
Serial number
ClassAntique
Caliber / Gauge28
Barrel1 1/2 inch round
Finishcasehardened/bright
Gripcarved

Item LocationRock Island, IL
Views2039
Catalog page133
Find MoreRelated Items
Lot 356Alvin A. White Signed and Engraved Colt Model 1908 Pocket Pistol
View Lot
Lot 1540A.A. White Engraved Silver Mounted Contemporary Kentucky Pistol
View Lot
Lot 506Ri. Pa. Engraved, Perazzi MX2000 S Over/Under Shotgun with Case
View Lot
Lot 1501Angelo Bee Engraved and Gold Inlaid Browning Trombone Rifle
View Lot
Show More