Page 128 - Auction84-Book2

LOT 1264
Unmarked Massive Double Barrel Folding
Knife Pistol - NSN, 46 cal., 5 5/8 inch round bbl., bright finish, stag grips. This unique double barrel knife pistol
is similar in appearance to other examples which
often bear Liege proofs, except that those knife pistols often exhibit a blade which folds downward,
locking into the area where the triggers are housed. This
example is entirely unmarked and features smoothbore barrels of
approximately .46 caliber or 12mm, a 5 1/4 inch folding spearpoint
knife blade that folds upward between the barrel, corkscrew triggers
that unfold when the hammers are cocked, and stag grip scales.
CONDITION: Very fine with mostly bright metal surfaces, some minor
oxidation, and general mild wear. The grip scales are also very fine
with some mild wear. The firearm mechanisms are fine. The knife
blade does not secure closed and has a notch near the base. A very interesting piece that would have had its carrier prepared for almost any situation!
Estimate: 3,250 - 4,500
LOT 1265
Highly Desirable M. Price San Francisco Marked Dagger with Relief
Carved Grip and Sheath - Born in Limerick, Ireland, Michael Price was himself the
son of an Irish knifemaker, and in the 1850s decided to take his chances in the New
World. Exact estimates on when he arrived in San Francisco and how he established
himself are varied; some have him earning his initial capital as a water pipe foreman,
others have him setting up in the corner of the shop of A.J. Taylor, arms dealer and
Deringer agent. By 1860 he was a top name in the California market, producing a
full spectrum from the tough but simple knife of the settler or prospector to the
finely furnished but still deadly sidearm of the urban gentleman and were advertised
as being able to be driven through a stack of three silver dollars without losing the point or edge. This particular Price specimen is a fine belt knife, 10 1/4 inches long overall, with a 6 inch spear point blade marked “M.PRICE/SAN FRANCISCO” (the “S” in “SAN” cut off by the edged portion of the blade) on the left ricasso. The guard is a simple German silver oval. The grip is antique ivory carved with grooves and links of rope. The brown leather sheath is lightly tooled.
CONDITION: Fine, the blade showing mostly a grey patina with some scattered very light surface pitting and oxidation, slightly loose guard, and a few hairline cracks in the attractively aged fine relief carved grip. The sheath is very good with moderate wear and mostly tight stitching.
Estimate: 6,500 - 11,000
LOT 1266
Desirable Unwin & Rodgers “NON- XLL” Rimfire Knife Pistol - NSN, 28 RF cal., 3 3/4 inch octagon bbl., bright finish, horn grips. Measuring 6 1/2 inches in the closed position, this pistol has a tapered octagon barrel in German silver positioned on top of a single blade pocketknife. The 3 3/4 inch spearpoint knife blade is marked “NON-XLL/UNWIN/RODGERS” on the left ricasso. The barrel is stamped with a pair of “crossed scepter” proofs on the upper left, “UNWIN&RODGERS/PATENTEES.SHEFFIELD” on the left, and “NON-XLL” on the right. With a smooth vertical spur hammer, hinged ejector, and a folding trigger. A pair of checkered horn panels cover the sides of the body and a small compartment in the butt. CONDITION: Very good, the German silver showing mostly bright with the remainder showing mostly a grey patina with scattered extensive light pitting visible on the blade, hammer, and breech. The grip scales are very fine with some scattered light handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 1,400 - 2,250
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LOT 1267
Attractive James Rodgers “Self Protector” Percussion Knife Pistol - NSN, 30 cal., 3 3/8 inch octagon bbl., bright finish, horn grips. Measuring 6 1/2 inches in the closed position, this pistol has an in-line percussion barrel in German silver positioned on top of a dual blade pocketknife. The knife blades (both spear point, 3 1/2 and 2 1/2 inches) bear the “JAMES/RODGERS/SHEFFIELD” address on the left ricasso. The barrel is stamped with a pair of “crossed scepter” proofs, with a smooth vertical spur hammer and a folding trigger. A pair of horn panels cover the sides of the body, with a steel tweezer set slotted into the right panel and a German silver bullet mold on the left. A small, empty compartment is present in the butt. CONDITION: Fine, showing mostly a bright attractive antique finish on the German silver with some of the iron components showing a grey patina with evidence of sharpening and some scattered light pitting visible on the knife blades. The grip scales are very fine with some scattered light handling marks. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 1,400 - 2,250