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LOT 3256
Cased Engraved W.H. Smith New York Percussion Saw-Handle Dueling Pistol - NSN, 58 cal., 9 inch octagon bbl., brown/casehardened/German silver finish, walnut stock. W.H. Smith and W.H. Smith & Co. have been seen marked on a small number of percussion pistols. They were merchants in New York City. The Damascus barrel has “New York” in ornate script on the top flat along with a small German silver blade front sight and Birmingham proof marks and “51” are marked on the lower left flat. The breech end of the barrel has a pair of silver bands, and the breech plug and standing breech have foliate engraving, and the latter has the small notch rear sight. The back action lock has coordinating engraving and is marked “W-H/SMITH” towards the rear. The pistol is equipped with an adjustable single set trigger and German silver furniture with foliate engraving. The trigger guard finial
is marked “GERMAN SILVER”. The pommel cap has a small compartment. The custom wood case contains a French combination flask and a few balls. CONDITION: Very good with most of the refinished brown and distinct Damascus patterns on the barrel, dark patina on the balance of the iron, aged patina on the German silver furniture, and general mild wear. The refinished stock is good with numerous small dings and chips, and general mild wear. Mechanically fine.
Estimate: 1,500 - 2,500
LOT 3255
Excellent Cased Pair of Engraved Back Action
Percussion Pistols by Simmons -A) Simmons Percussion
Pistol - NSN, 57 cal., 7 7/8 inch octagon bbl., brown/
casehardened/blue finish, walnut stock. These pistols
likely came from Joseph Simmons (d. 1841), a gunmaker
in Birmingham, and feature smoothbore Damascus barrels
with post front sights, Birmingham proofs and “TO” on the
undersides, casehardened breech plugs with dual platinum
bands, notch rear sights on the casehardened standing
breeches, “SIMMONS” signed on the casehardened back
action locks, scroll engraving, swivel mounted ramrods,
blued ramrod entry pipes and trigger guards, horn forend
caps, and checkered bag shaped wrists. They come in a
wood case with a J. Blissett trade label, oak leaf pattern
three-way combination flask, 25 bore mold, screwdriver,
tow, rod with covered worm, cap tin, and jag.
CONDITION: Excellent with 95% plus original finish, 95%
vivid case colors on the platinum banded breech plug, some
minor flaking of the blue, crisp engraving and markings,
distinct Damascus twist patterns, and generally only minor
age and storage related wear. The stock is also excellent
and has crisp checkering and minimal light handling and
storage marks. Mechanically excellent. The repaired case is
fine and has some small chips and separation and contact
wear on the lining. The accessories are fine.
B) Simmons Percussion Pistol - NSN, 50 cal., 7 7/8 inch
octagon bbl., brown/casehardened/blue finish,
walnut stock.
CONDITION: Excellent with 95% plus original finish, 95% vivid
original case colors on the platinum banded breechplug, loss mostly from some flaking of the blue on the trigger guard tang, crisp engraving and markings, distinct Damascus twist patterns along the barrel, and minimal light age and storage related wear. The stock is also excellent and has crisp checkering and a few faint handling and storage marks. Mechanically excellent. Overall, this is a very attractive pair of English percussion pistols. They would have served a gentleman well for both defense and in a duel.
Provenance: Property of a Distinguished Southern Clergyman.
198 Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500