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LOT 3162
Exceptional
Cased
Engraved
and Etched
J.G. Bolen
Allen’s Patent
Percussion
Pepperbox -
Serial no. 100,
31 cal., 3 1/4
inch ribbed
bbl., blue
finish, walnut
grips. This
very attractive
pepperbox was
manufactured
by one of the
Ethan Allen
partnerships
for J.G. Bolen of
104 Broadway
in New York City, based on Allen’s 1837 patent c. 1837-1857. It has fine floral scroll engraving on the frame and an etched scroll
pattern on the removable nipple shield. The left side of the hammer is marked “J.G. BOLEN, N.Y.,” and the top is marked “ALLEN’S
PATENTS.” One of the barrel ribs is marked “PATENTED 1837 CAST-STEEL.” The matching serial number “100” is marked on many of
components, including the underside of the smooth grip panels. The grip panels also have small German silver inlays. It comes in
a hardwood case with velour lined and partitioned interior. Adhered to the interior of the lid is a “BOLEN’S LIFE AND PROPERTY
PRESERVERS” label, recommending the pistol to travelers and house keepers. Also included in the case are a powder flask,
screwdriver handle, and some lead balls.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine overall with 85% plus original blue finish and case colors, smooth gray and brown patina on the
balance, distinct etching and engraving, and light overall wear. The grips are very fine and have only minor dings and scratches
and light handling wear. Mechanically functions but needs some work as the hammer doesn’t drop until trigger is released. The
case exterior is very good with minor storage wear and some cracks in the bottom, with a small piece of the lip missing. The
interior is fine and has mild overall wear including some minor tears on the very fine original label, broken latch, and
rub wear on the lining.
Estimate: 5,000 - 8,000
LOT 3161
Very Fine Pair of Engraved Tufts & Colley
“Deringer Pattn” Percussion Pocket Pistols
-A) Tufts & Colley Pocket Pistol - NSN, 38 cal.,
2 5/8 inch flat top round bbl., brown/casehardened/
German silver finish, walnut stock. Walter Tufts Jr. and Charles Oates Colley
were the successors to Nielson, Wardwell & Co. and were importers and dealers
of hardware, cutlery, guns, rifles, and pistols, being particularly noted as associated with
the southern trade. They were located and 7 & 9 Barclay Street, across the street from the
famous Astor House in New York City. They were active c. 1858-1865. Joseph Tarratt was a
“special partner” and investor in the firm, and was also a noted importer/dealer, and George
A. McCleskey of Georgia is also listed in association with the firm. The pistols have Damascus
barrels with seven-groove rifling, German silver blade front sights, “DERINGER/PATTN” marked
on the top flats, and star patterns engraved on the gold and platinum banded casehardened
breech plugs. The tangs have notch rear sights and scroll engraving. The casehardened back
action locks are signed “TUFTS/& COLLEY” and have scroll engraving. The furniture is German
silver with some additional engraving on the trigger guard bow and trigger plate finial. The
stocks have checkered bird’s head wrists. Includes a modern display box.
CONDITION: Very fine with 85% original brown and casehardened finishes, minor fading to
smooth gray and brown patina, light aged patina on the German silver, crisp engraving and
markings, and generally minor wear. The stock is fine and has crisp checkering, a faint crack on
the left at the breech, and some dings and scratches. Mechanically fine.
B) Tufts & Colley Pocket Pistol - NSN, 38 cal., 2 5/8 inch flat top round bbl., brown/
casehardened/German silver finish, walnut stock. As described in “A.”
CONDITION: Fine with 50% original brown and casehardened finishes with fading to smooth
gray and brown patina, light aged patina on the German silver, crisp markings and engraving,
and minor overall wear. The stock is fine and has crisp checkering and mild scratches and dings.
Mechanically fine.
Estimate: 3,250 - 5,000
LOT 3163
Very Fine Cased Engraved
Allen & Thurber Worcester
Percussion Pepperbox - Serial
no. 162, 31 cal., 3 5/8 inch fluted
cluster bbl., blue finish, walnut
grips. Legendary gunmaker
Ethan Allen’s pepperboxes are
the most popular and iconic of
the pepperbox revolvers. This
example was manufactured
c. 1847-1856, based on the
“ALLEN & THURBER WORCESTER”
marking on the barrel group.
The hammer is marked “ALLEN’S
PATENT/1845” on the left side.
The nipple shield and frame have
scroll engraving. The matching
serial number is marked on
the breech between two of the
nipples, inside the trigger guard
bow, inside the grips, on the left side of the grip frame, and on the mainspring. It comes in a fitted wood case with a plunger type
powder flask, dual cavity round ball/elongated ball mold, rod, and balls.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 90% plus of the original blue finish on the barrel group, with some mild flaking/wear on the frame
showing 40% original blue, a brown-grey patina, and some very light speckled oxidation on the balance. The grips are excellent
with a few scattered light handling marks. Mechanically excellent. The case and accessories are all fine with some mild handling/
storage wear and marks.
Estimate: 1,800 - 2,750
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