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LOT 1081
Rare Day’s Patent Underhammer
Percussion Truncheon Pistol with
Highly Attractive Crowned Eagle
Head Pommel - NSN, 45 cal., 8
1/2 inch round bbl.,
bright finish, brass
grips. This fascinating
combination weapon
from the 1830s combines a
blunderbuss style pistol using
an underhammer action with
a truncheon and would have
been an excellent sidearm
for a lawman or prison
guard. These rare truncheon
pistols are just one of a variety of arms
made based on John Day’s 1823 British
patent originally covering an underhammer
cane gun. The Birmingham proofed barrel
screws off and has an approximately .45
caliber bore that flares out to around one
inch at the belled muzzle. The barrel and
action have multiple bands of wavy line
knurling for grip. Non-standard London
style proof marks are marked on the
bottom of the barrel. The distinctive eagle
head pommel wears a crown.
CONDITION: Very good with attractively
aged patina overall, light casting pits, and
moderate wear suggesting it was carried
and used. The action functions but needs
attention to work consistently.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
LOT 1083
Attractive Early 18th Century Hallmarked, Silver Mounted Spearpoint Hunting Dagger
with Agate Grip and Sheath - Manufactured c. the early 18th century, this is a beautiful example
of a very large hunting or belt dagger. This dagger shows the styling and attributes of having been
made somewhere in the Eastern Mediterranean region, possibly as far east as modern Pakistan and
Northern India. The dagger was likely made for one of the many markets of the British Empire, which
was rapidly expanding all over the globe. Ornate daggers and small swords such as this were popular
among gentry throughout Europe during the period for the final dispatch of their prey while hunting,
should it be necessary. It measures 19 1/2 inches overall with a 14 3/8 inch spearpoint blade with no
visible maker’s marks. The serpentine guard is silver with relief chiseled floral motifs and pinwheel
finials as well as lion’s head and Brittania hallmarks dating from 1697-1718 and an unidentified
maker’s mark. The mark is “CH” within a shield, with a dot over each letter and a five-pointed star
below the letters. Below the guard is a banded and dagged bolster, also of silver. The multi-faceted
grip is of attractive orange agate. The silver pommel is of a low bun shape with attractive filework
and a visibly peened tang. The sheath is of black leather with incised border lines and a dagged silver
bolster at the throat which matches the knife.
CONDITION: Fine, the blade is mostly bright with some scattered patches of mild pitting, a few of
them leading to slight edge loss, and a few spots of light oxidation near the guard. The silver shows
an attractively aged patina overall with some light dings. The grip is very fine with a minor crack and
otherwise very light handling marks. The sheath is good with some material loss near the tip and
moderate wear. A very attractive early 18th century dagger!
Estimate: 2,000 - 3,000
LOT 1082
Rare European Pinfire
Combination Short
Sword Revolver with
Sheath - Serial no. 195, 9
mm Pinfire cal., 4 inch round bbl., nickel finish, ebony grips. This truly
unique combination pinfire short sword revolver was manufactured
in Belgium. The overall design of this weapon follows T.A. Rauh’s 1866
American patent, integrating a double action pinfire revolver into the guard and hilt
sections of a short, possibly artillery pattern sword. While arms of this type were never
issued by an army, these combination weapons became popular among the officer
corps of Europe as a private purchase weapon. 20” long double edged spear point
blade, with a short back clip and double fullers running nearly the full length. The top
strap of the revolver section is marked “H.G.&F./BREVETLS” on the left side, with Liege
proofs on the cylinder, barrel and ejector rod running along the right side of the blade,
partial trigger guard, smooth trigger and checkered grips with finger grooves. With a black
leather sheath, fitted with gilt brass tip and throat.
CONDITION: Very good, showing a few dark spots on the otherwise bright blade. Traces of original nickel finish
remain on the revolver/hilt section with a mixed brown and gray patina. Grips are very good as period repaired,
with mended cracks on each panel. Sheath is good, with some light scuffing and wear. Trigger spring needs
adjustment, otherwise mechanically good. A very interesting and scarce pinfire combination sword revolver.
Estimate: 6,000 - 9,000
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