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LOT 3121
Exceptional Presentation Cased Factory Engraved Tipping & Lawden Sharps Patent Four-Shot Pepperbox Pistol - Serial no. 188, 7 mm cal., 3 inch fluted bbl., blue/silver
finish, gutta percha grips. This is an exceptional example of an engraved Sharps “pepperbox” pistol manufactured by English gunmakers Tipping & Lawden in the early 1860s
or 1870s. Tipping & Lawden were one of only two authorized European firms
licensed by Sharps to manufacture pistols based on his innovative design. They were part of the 20 member Birmingham Small Arms Trading Company and manufactured approximately 4,000 of the Model 2 in four different calibers. This example has a blue barrel,
silver frame, and checkered gutta percha grips. The frame features almost complete coverage of floral scroll engraving, which continues on the barrels in flourishes surrounding a knurled gripping area on each side. The left side of the frame is marked “TIPPING & LAWDEN/SHARPS’
PATENT” in a circle surrounding the hammer screw. The serial number is marked on the top front of the frame,
hidden by the barrel group. It comes in a scarce burled hardwood presentation case with blue baize lined
interior, German silver escutcheon and banner on the lid (both blank), oiler, and screwdriver.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 95% plus of the original blue finish, vibrant case colors on the hammer,
and 75% of the original silver on the frame with the balance an attractively aged brass and crisp engraving overall. The slightly warped grips are very fine with a few scattered light handling marks. Mechanically fine apart from the barrel latch which has no return spring tension. The case is very fine with a few scattered light handling/storage marks.
Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500
LOT 3122
Excellent Etched Manufacture Francaise d’Armes et Cycles de St.
Etienne Gaulois No. 2 Palm Pistol with “Cigar” Style Case - Serial no.
13567, 8 mm cal., 2 1/8 inch solid rib bbl., blue finish, hard rubber grips. “Manufrance” manufactured
these distinctive “squeezer” pistols c. 1893-1912. These pistols were initially called the Mitrailleuse (from “Grapeshot”) from 1893 to approximately 1895 before being re-branded as the Le Gaulois (native people of France as in the Gauls). This Gaulois has etched floral patterns on the sides, the manufacturer mark on the rear of the frame at the top, “Cal.” and “8m/m” at the front, the Manufrance logo along with “GAULOIS” on the barrel, and “No. 2” on the loading gate. The left side of the action has the three position selector switch. Matching serial numbers are on the barrel, frame, and side plate. The trigger mechanism has a checkered hard rubber pad with “R/136” marked on the left. The barrel has a round post front sight, and the dust cover and front of the frame are serrated. It comes with a fitted leather “cigar” style case that opens from either end. One end opens for the pistol, and the
other has a block for ten cartridges.
CONDITION: Excellent with 90% plus bright
original high polish blue finish, small patch
of wear on the left side, and otherwise
generally only minor handling and storage
marks. Mechanically fine. The case is very fine and
has mild age and storage related wear.
Estimate: 2,500 - 4,000
by Remington’s master mechanic John F. Thomas in 1858. The Remington cane guns have the distinction of being the first metallic cartridge long arm produced by Remington.
Remington was also the only major U.S. manufacturer to produce cane guns. Cane guns and swords were popular with European gentlemen in the 19th century, with canes being
considered an essential part of a gentleman’s wardrobe in the Victorian Era. Due to the increase in street crime in both European and American cities, the need for a defensive
weapon while still wanting to look sharp helped promote the production of these weapons. Remington advertised “The Remington Rifle Cane” as “Just the Thing for Taxidermists”
and as “Protection against Dogs and Highwaymen.” This example is one of the .22 rimfire versions with the smaller “dog’s head” handle. The handle is joined to the shaft with a
thinned silvered band. This particular cane stands out from most that are encountered in that it lacks the typical iron ferrule at the muzzle with the Thomas patent marking and serial
number, but instead has as stepped up portion of gutta percha that is fitted with a special order bead front sight. These cane guns have been seen with rare and unique special order features before, but this is the only one with a front sight that the writer has seen. The cane appears to be devoid of markings.
CONDITION: Very good overall, the gutta percha showing generally an attractively aged chocolate tone, typical of these canes, some scattered light handling marks, and the grip section slightly loose. Mechanically fine.
Estimate: 7,000 - 10,000
84
LOT 3123
Scarce E. Remington & Sons “Dog’s Head” Grip .22 Rimfire Cane Gun with Unique Bead Front Sight - NSN, 22 RF , 25 1/4 inch round bbl., black finish, gutta percha
grips. This is a scarce example of one of an estimated 1,800 Remington metallic cartridge cane guns manufactured circa 1866 to 1888. The original design was patented