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 3248

Lot 3248:Pair of Van War, Son & Co. Percussion Dueling Pistols

May 16th, 2021|Rock Island, IL
  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 3248

Lot 3248:Pair of Van War, Son & Co. Percussion Dueling Pistols

May 16th, 2021|Rock Island, IL
Price Realized:
Login to viewLogin to view
Price obfuscated
Estimated Price$2,000 - $3,500
Log In to use Wishlists
Share

Pair of Engraved and Silver Accented Van Wart, Son & Co. Percussion Dueling Pistols

A) Van Wart, Son & Co. Dueling Pistol

These mid-19th century pistols were manufactured for Van Wart, Son & Co. of Birmingham. They were merchants in Birmingham founded by American born Henry van Wart who also founded the Birmingham Stock Exchange. They focused on exporting various Birmingham made goods to America, including supplying goods to the South. The smoothbore Damascus barrels have dovetailed silver blade front sights and "London" on top and have Birmingham proofs on the bottom. The breech plugs have scroll engraving and platinum bands and plugs. Additional scroll engraving is found on the upper tangs, locks, and trigger guards. The upper tangs have small notch rear sights. The locks are marked "VAN WART SON & Co" and have sliding half-cock safeties. The pistols have adjustable single set triggers, and the trigger guards are spurred. The forend caps, wedge escutcheons, and wrist escutcheons are all silver. The stocks have checkered with double line borders. Baleen ramrods with covered ball pullers are on fitted under the barrels.

ConditionFine with a mix of fading original finish, dark patina, and distinct Damascus twist patterns on the barrel; 40% original case colors on the lock and breech, 70% original blue finish on the trigger guard, deep aged patina on the silver, minor oxidation, crisp engraving, and general minor overall wear. The stock is also fine and has minor dings and scratches, light handling wear, generally crisp checkering, a thin tension crack at the lock screw, and strong original finish. Mechanically excellent.
Details
ManufacturerVan Wart
ModelPercussion
TypePistol
ClassAntique
Caliber / Gauge54
Barrel9 1/8 inch octagon
Finishblue/casehardened/silver
Stockwalnut

Item LocationRock Island, IL
Views1972
Catalog page141

B) Van Wart, Son & Co. Dueling Pistol

See "A."

ConditionFine with a mix of fading original finish and dark patina on the barrel along with distinct Damascus twist patterns, 60% original case colors on the upper tang and hammer, mostly silver gray patina on the balance of the casehardened surfaces, 60% plus original blue finish on the trigger guard, minor oxidation, crisp engraving and markings, dark aged patina on the silver, and generally minor wear. The stock is also fine and has mostly crisp checkering, more than half of the original finish, and mild scrapes and dings mostly concentrated on the left flat and butt. Mechanically excellent.
Details
ManufacturerVan Wart
ModelPercussion
TypePistol
ClassAntique
Caliber / Gauge54
Barrel9 1/8 inch octagon
Finishblue/casehardened/silver
Stockwalnut

Item LocationRock Island, IL
Views1972
Catalog page141
Find MoreRelated Items
Lot 1290Relief Carved Pair of P.J. Malherbe Percussion Dueling Pistols
View Lot
Lot 318Cased Pair of J. E. Evans Percussion Dueling pistols
View Lot
Lot 1288Pair of Devisme Percussion Dueling/Target Pistols
View Lot
Lot 1283Cased Pair of William Bond Flintlock Dueling Pistols
View Lot
Show More