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Lot 1312:Pair of P.J. Malherbe Percussion Dueling Pistols

September 12th, 2020|Rock Island, IL

Lot 1312:Pair of P.J. Malherbe Percussion Dueling Pistols

September 12th, 2020|Rock Island, IL

Price Realized:

Estimated Price$4,500 - $7,000

A) P.J. Malherbe Pistol

These mid 19th century pistols are signed "P.J. MALHERBE A LIEGE" in gold inlay with gold floral accents on the top of the barrels and also have gold and silver dots and gold bands at the breeches. Pierre Joseph Malherbe is mostly known for military arms. The textured "Damascus" barrels are rifled and have dovetailed blade front sights and Liege proofs, and non-adjustable notch rear sights are fitted to the upper tangs. The pistols are equipped with spurred trigger guards and adjustable single set triggers. The furniture is engraved with primarily scroll patterns. The wedge escutcheons are also silver, and the stocks have carved lion heads, nicely carved borders at the edges of the wrist checkering, carved antique ivory pommel borders, and silver trapdoor compartments with what appear to be "crown/ED" hallmarks along with a classic Greco-Roman mask design possibly representing Hercules on the pommels. Includes the interior portion of the pair's case along with a variety of loading and maintenance tools.

ConditionFine with distinct twist patterns and bright original gold along the barrel, minor oxidation on the otherwise gray lock and furniture, aged patina on the silver, and generally minor wear. The stock is good and has some thin cracks in the forend, chipping on the carved border of the pommel, crisp lion head carving and checkering, and minor scratches and dings. Mechanically fine. The detached case section is fair. The accessories are generally fine with mild storage wear.

Details

ManufacturerBelgium

ModelPercussion

TypePistol

ClassAntique

Caliber / Gauge54

Barrel9 5/8 inch octagon

Finishgray/gold

Stockebony

Item LocationRock Island, IL

Catalog page254

B) P.J. Malherbe Pistol

See "A."

ConditionFine with distinct twist patterns and bright original gold inlays on the barrel, some mild oxidation on the otherwise gray lock and furniture, dark aged patina on the silver, and generally minor wear. The stock is very good and has a small crack between the lock and bolster, a crack along the left side from the rear of the trigger guard bow to the edge of the forend, minor age cracks on the carved pommel border, crisp carving and checkering, a divot on the bottom of the forend, and some light scratches and dings. Mechanically fine. These are attractive mid 19th century dueling pistols.