Page 78 - 83-BOOK1

76
LOT 1094
Exceptional Cased Finely Engraved and Gold Banded Unmarked American Saw-Handle Percussion Target Pistol with Accessories - NSN, 38 cal., 9
3/4 inch part octagon bbl., brown/casehardened/bright finish, highly figured checkered walnut stock. There are no markings found on this pistol, but it certainly bears a resemblance to some of the work by Blunt & Syms of New York City in the 1830s to 1850s. 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.
CONDITION: 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. Provenance: The Robert B. “Bob” Berryman Estate Collection.
Estimate: 7,500 - 11,000