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LOT 3277
Presentation Cased and Inscribed Pair of Thomas Williams Percussion Pepperbox Revolvers
-A) Thomas Williams Pepperbox Revolver - NSN, 40 cal., 3
1/8 inch solid rib bbl., silver/blue finish, ebony grips. Thomas
Williams is listed as an active gunmaker out of Birmingham c. 1861-1863. Both pistols
inscribed “J.R. COOPERS/PATENT” in a circle on the left, “THOs. WILLIAMS/LIVERPOOL” on the bottom of
the butt comportment doors on the solid silver frames, Gothic initials “JC” inscribed in an oval on the
back straps, with floral scroll pattern engraving, sliding top safeties, ring triggers with underhammer, and
barrels numbered 1-6 with Birmingham proofs. Cased with “B” gun in a hardwood case with small circular brass plaque on top of the lid inscribed “Presented to/M Light/by/M Moss” and with fitted blue felt lined interior with Williams & Powell trade label on the interior of the lid and containing tools, ball mold, Dixon & Sons Sheffield powder flask, two Eley cap tins, S. Allport Improved cap dispenser, two unmarked small containers and some extra nipples.
CONDITION: Fine, with the barrel cleaned showing a smooth gray patina with some light freckling, bright silver, 50% niter blue finish on the small parts, and defined engraving on the silver frames. Grips are very fine with a few light handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically fine. Case is fine, with a few non-structural cracks on the lid.
B) Thomas Williams Pepperbox Revolver - NSN, 36 cal., 3 1/8 inch solid rib bbl., bright/silver/blue finish, ebony grips. Cased with “A” gun.
CONDITION: Fine, with the barrel cleaned showing a smooth gray patina with some light freckling, bright silver, 70% niter blue finish on the small parts, and defined engraving. Grips are very fine with a few light handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically fine.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
LOT 3278
Massive Engraved J.J. Herman Brevete 18-Shot Percussion Pepperbox - NSN, 8 mm cal., 3 1/4 inch
round bbl., bright finish, ebony grips. Jean-Jacques Herman was a Belgian gunmaker active c. 1829-1855 who appears to have specialized in multi-barrel handguns and clearly pushed the envelope with this impressive revolver. It has a cluster of twelve outer barrels and six inner barrels fitted to a shared
breech plate. The barrels are etched Damascus and are rifled. They barrels and breech plate also have corresponding numbers. An oval Liege “E/LG/*” proof is marked on the breech
plate between barrel 12 and 13. The frame features extensive scroll engraving and has “J.J. HERMAN. D./BREVETE” marked on top. The trigger guard is spurred. The ebony grip is
fluted. The pommel cap has a small compartment.
CONDITION: Very good with distinct Damascus twist patterns along the barrels, crisp
engraving, bright polished metal throughout, and generally minor overall wear. The grip is fine and has distinct fluting, smooth finish, a small flake at the left of
the upper tang, a minor chip and crack at the lower tang, and light handling wear. Mechanically excellent. This is certainly a very imposing handgun. While images of these are popular online, you almost never get the opportunity to buy one of these!
Estimate: 3,750 - 5,000
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