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  • Auction Catalog #86
  • Lot #234
Lot #233
Lot #235

Lot 234: Cased Pair of John Donaghy Percussion Dueling/Target Pistols

Outstanding Documented Cased Pair of Exhibition Quality Engraved, Gold Inlaid, and Relief Carved John Donaghy Percussion Dueling/Target Pistols From the Famous Henk L. Visser Collection

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: August 26, 2022

Lot 234: Cased Pair of John Donaghy Percussion Dueling/Target Pistols

Outstanding Documented Cased Pair of Exhibition Quality Engraved, Gold Inlaid, and Relief Carved John Donaghy Percussion Dueling/Target Pistols From the Famous Henk L. Visser Collection

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: August 26, 2022

Estimated Price: $15,000 - $25,000
Price Realized:
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A) John Donaghy Pistol

Manufacturer: European
Model: Percussion
Type: Pistol
Gauge: 10 mm
Barrel: 9 5/8 inch octagon
Finish: blue/gold/grey
Grip:
Stock: relief carved ebony
Item Views: 1488
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 235
Class: Antique
Description:

These c. 1850 pistols are featured in "The Visser Collection" Vol. 1, Part 4 on pages 504 and 505 and also in "Dutch Gunmakers" on pages 141 and 426. The rifled barrels have "John Donaghy Amsterdam" in gold inlaid script, dovetailed blade front sights, and Liege proofs. The standing breeches have notch rear sights, and the pistols are equipped with adjustable single set triggers and spurred trigger guards. The furniture has a leafy scroll engraving, and the pommel caps have highly detailed floral work. The stocks have relief carved scroll and branch carving and fluting. The rosewood case has a Donaghy trade label, red velvet lining, and closely fitted interior with a suite of loading and maintenance equipment, including a mold, flask, mallet, and more.

Rating Definition:

Excellent with 97% plus bright original high polish blue finish, bright gold, smooth French gray on the lock and furniture, aged patina on the silver wedge escutcheons, and minor wear mostly from age. The stock is also excellent with the exception of a thin crack from the tail of the lock to the upper tang and has crisp carving. Mechanically excellent. The accessories are very fine with minor age and storage related wear, and the case is fine with very fine original lining and label, wear mostly confined to the exterior, including some small pieces of brass inlay absent from the lid and veneer absent from the right side and loosening on the rear.



B) John Donaghy Pistol

Manufacturer: European
Model: Percussion
Type: Pistol
Gauge: 10 mm
Barrel: 9 5/8 inch octagon
Finish: blue/gold/grey
Grip:
Stock: relief carved ebony
Item Views: 1488
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 235
Class: Antique
Description:

See "A." Provenance: The H.L. Visser Collection; Property of a Gentleman

Rating Definition:

Excellent with 97% plus bright original high polish blue finish, bright gold, smooth French gray on the lock and furniture, aged patina on the silver wedge escutcheons, and minor wear mostly from age. The stock is also excellent and has crisp carving. Mechanically excellent



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