Page 55 - 83-BOOK3

Desirable Retailer Marked 19th Century American Percussion Pistols
LOT 3067
Attractive Cased New York Retailer Marked Engraved Allen & Thurber Bar Hammer Percussion Double Action Pepperbox Revolver - Serial no. 34, 31 cal., 3 1/4 inch solid rib bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. This Worcester production pepperbox was manufactured circa 1847-1854. The barrel assembly has the following markings, each on a solid rib: “ALLEN & THURBER WORCESTER,” PATENTED 1837,” “CAST STEEL,” and “BOLEN
04 B’WAY, N.Y.” for the New York City retailer J.G. Bolen. The frame and nipple shield are engraved with floral scroll patterns. The left side of the bar hammer is marked “ALLENS PATENT.” A German silver oval inlay is featured on each grip panel. Matching serial number “34” appears on the grip frame, hammer, hammer spring, trigger guard, both grip panels and barrel cluster. The period partitioned case contains a leather wrapped cylindrical powder flask, lead balls, two cavity iron bullet mold, case key, and cleaning rod. CONDITION: Very fine. The nipple shield retains 50% original blue finish, otherwise the pepperbox retains 70% original blue finish with the balance a smooth brown- gray patina. The engraving is crisp. 50% original case colors remain on the hammer. The grips are excellent with some minor handling marks and retaining nearly all original varnish. Mechanically excellent. The case is very good with a hairline crack on the lid, minor handling/storage marks and typical high spot wear on the lining. The accessories are all fine or better. Estimate: 5,000 - 7,500
LOT 3068
Scarce German Silver and Gold Accented Percussion “Derringer” Pocket Pistol with
Retailer Mark of F. Glassick & Co. of Memphis, Tennessee - Serial no. 11, 47 cal., 2 3/4 inch
octagon bbl., brown/casehardened/German silver/silver/gold finish, walnut stock. The barrel of this
attractive mid-19th century pocket pistol is marked “F. GLASSICK & CO./MEMPHIS TENN.” and has a small blade front sight and a
silver band and light engraved border at the breech. The breechplug has “11” marked on top, a notch rear sight, and some simple engraving. The small back action lock also has some simple engraving. The wrist escutcheon is gold, and the rest of the furniture is German silver. The screws are indexed. The stock has raised shell pattern carving at the forend tip and a checkered wrist. This pistol
likely formed a pair with the pistol on page 191 of “The Deringer in America: Volume One- The Percussion Period” by R.L. Wilson and L.D. Eberhart. That pistol is marked “12” and is the same design. It is noted as probably manufactured by F. Bitterlich. Pistols by Henry Deringer and his many copyists were often sold as pairs.
CONDITION: Very good plus with bright original gold, lightly aged silver band, traces
of original finish blended with smooth brown patina on the lock and barrel, light aged
patina on the German silver furniture, and light overall wear including some slight
oxidation/pitting. The stock is fine and has crisp checkering and carving, most of the
original varnish, and some light dings and scratches. Mechanically fine.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
53
SIMILAR EXAMPLE PICTURED IN THE BOOK THE DERINGER IN AMERICA, VOL. I BY WILSON AND EBERHART