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LOT 70
Exhibition Quality Factory
Engraved and Gold
Inlaid Manufacture
Francaise d’Armes et
Cycles de St. Etienne Gaulois Palm Pistol with Purse
Holster - Serial no. T17036, 8 mm cal., 2 1/4 inch solid rib bbl.,
blue/gold/casehardened finish, black pearl grips. These pistols
were initially called Mitrailleuse (from “Grapeshot”) from 1893 to
approximately 1895 before being rebranded as the Le Gaulois (native
people of France as in the Gauls). The model was manufactured by Manufacture
Francaise d’Armes et Cycles in St. Etienne until approximately 1912. This Gaulois has the
manufacturer mark on the rear of the frame at the top, “Cal.” and “8m/m” at the front, and the
Manufacture Française logo along with “GAULOIS” on the barrel. The left side of the action has the
three position selector switch with “S”, “F”, and “D” markings. The trigger mechanism has a mother
of pearl grip pad. The barrel has a round post front sight, and the dust cover and front of the frame
are serrated. It has scroll style engraving patterns on over half of the surfaces including the sides
of the plunger with gold inlaid accents. All of the markings,
aside from the serial number, are also inlaid in gold. The
engraving patterns and inlay match other examples of
factory engraved Gaulois pistols. Included with the pistol is an
original coin purse style holster.
CONDITION: Excellent. The pistol retains 90% plus of the bright original high polish blue finish, nearly all of the gold inlay, strong
case colors on the plunger and has some oxidation and brown patina on the balance. The black pearl grip panel is excellent with a dark
aged tone and iridescent colors. The patterns and markings are crisp. Mechanically excellent. The holster is fine and
has an aged brown color with areas of brighter mustard colored wear and spotting on the clasp.
Estimate: 5,000 - 7,000
LOT 71
Very Scarce Dolne Apache Pinfire Pocket
Revolver with Knife - Serial no. 3080, 7 mm
pinfire cal., German silver/blue finish, metal
grips. The revolver combines a double
action revolver with folding German
silver knuckles and a 3 1/2
inch folding dagger. “L.
DOLNE INVUR” is stamped
under the serial number
on the right front of the frame.
The Apache revolver received
its nickname from the Parisian
street gangs of the late 19th
century and early 20th
century. These criminals
were particularly fond of using
hand to hand combat. The brass
knuckles obviously fit this style well.
The revolver and knife were also suitable for
use in a multi-person attack that was commonly used: one member of the gang
would disable the victim with a scarf or similar item while the other picked
through their pockets for valuables. They could be used as a threat
to ensure compliance.
CONDITION: Very good with mottled brown/gray patina on the blued surfaces,
and the frame has faint traces of German silver plating and otherwise an aged
patina overall with minor marks. Mechanically fine.
Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500
LOT 72
Very Fine, Cased, Attractively Engraved Tipping & Lawden Model 2 Sharps Patent Pepperbox Pistol with
Ivory Grips - Serial no. 5572, 30 RF cal., 3 inch fluted bbl., blue/bright finish, ivory grips. Manufactured in the 1860s and
1870s, Tipping & Lawden of Birmingham, England, were one of only two foreign firms licensed by Sharps to manufacture these pistols
in Europe and produced around 4,000 of them mixed between several calibers. Since they were designed to be carried, primarily in coat
pockets, most surviving examples are well-worn, but this example is high condition and has beautiful engraved English scrollwork, rosettes,
and bestial faces on nearly all of the frame, as well as vine and scroll work on the barrels with the very finely stippled/matted background.
The barrel group is finished blue and has a brass post front sight. The frame appears to have been left with a bright brass finish after
engraving, has a groove for a rear sight, and is marked “TIPPING & LAWDEN/SHARPS PATENT” around the hammer screw on the left. It comes
in a highly figured hardwood case with engraved escutcheon and banner, fitted interior, a bore rod, screwdriver, oiler, and four cartridges.
This Christian Sharps design was easily one of the most concealable weapons of the period and has also become somewhat of a cultural
icon of the era thanks to Hollywood.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 95% plus of the original blue finish and the brass showing an attractively aged patina, a few scattered minor
dings on the brass, and very crisp engraving overall. The replacement grips are fine with a few light handling marks and a few hairline age
cracks. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine with some cracking/separation on the lid and seams.
Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500