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LOT 3181
Very Fine Etched Manufacture Francaise d’Armes
et Cycles de St. Etienne Gaulois No. 2 Palm Pistol
with Coin Purse Type Holster - Serial no. 24918, 8 mm
cal., 2 1/4 inch solid rib bbl., blue finish, hard rubber grips.
“Manufrance” manufactured these distinctive “squeezer” pistols c. 1893-
1912. These pistols were initially called the Mitrailleuse (from “Grapeshot”)
from 1893 to approximately 1895 before being re-branded as the Le
Gaulois (native people of France as in the Gauls). This Gaulois has near
full coverage etched floral patterns, the manufacturer mark on the rear of
the frame at the top, “Cal.” and “8m/m” at the front, the Manufrance logo
along with “GAULOIS” on the barrel, and “No. 2” on the loading gate. The
left side of the action has the three position selector switch. The serial
number is marked on the inside of the frame and inside of the sideplate.
The trigger mechanism has a checkered hard rubber pad. The barrel has a
round bead front sight, and the dust cover and front of the
frame are serrated.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 80% plus of the faded original blue finish
with a few scattered small patches of light surface pitting/oxidation
and crisp etching. 30% of the vibrant case colors remains on the trigger
mechanism. The grip pad has a minor repair and chip near the bottom.
Mechanically needs adjustment. The case/holster is very good
with some mild wear.
Estimate: 1,600 - 2,500
LOT 3179
Very Fine Dolne Apache Pinfire Pocket Revolver with Folding Knife - Serial no. 2854, 5 mm PF
cal., 1 1/2 inch fluted bbl., silver/blue finish, metal grips. The revolver combines a double action
revolver with folding German silver knuckles and a
3 inch folding dagger. “L. DOLNE INVUR” is stamped
under the serial number on the right front of the frame.
There are flourishes of factory floral scroll engraving on the top and
sides of the frame. The cylinder and frame have faint crossed scepter proofs. 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, retains 30% of the original silver plated finish, mostly
in in sheltered areas, with the balance of the German silver mostly bright and
the iron showing mostly a dark grey patina with some scattered light pitting.
The engraving is crisp. Mechanically functions, though the grip hinge
sometimes come unlatched upon trigger pull.
Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500
LOT 3178
Imperial Protector Ring Gun
with Unique Shield-Shaped
Case - NSN, 5 mm cal.,
1/2 inch cluster bbl.,
nitre blue/bright finish,
metal grips. This is an
example of a unique
19th century style
ring gun that was
custom made in the
late 20th century.
Despite the foggy
history surrounding
these little trinkets,
these ring pistols
are oddities
and appeal to
collectors purely
as conversation
pieces. Though
most examples
appear to be, or
create the illusion
of being, of French
origin, this example
was crafted purely to
appeal to the British
market and appears to
have been retailed by a
London goldsmith. The
German silver band of
the ring has a light floral
type engraving and is
marked “IMPERIAL
PROTECTOR”. This
ring gun features
a small hand
rotated 6-shot
pinfire cartridge
cylinder that must
be removed for
loading/unloading.
The pins of the
cartridges are
struck by the base
of the hammer.
Includes a uniquely
shield-shaped,
clamshell type, leather
wrapped jewelry case
with the interior of the
lid lining marked for
the British retailer Pickett
goldsmith of London and
an empty cartridge block in
the fitted lower portion.
CONDITION: Very fine as custom
made, retains 80% of the nitre blue
finish with some light wear and
bright German silver with a few light
handling marks overall. Mechanically
functions. The case is very fine with some scattered light
handling/storage marks and mild interior wear.
Estimate: 2,500 - 3,750
LOT 3180
Cased Engraved Whitneyville Armory No. 1 Pocket
Revolver with Pearl Grips - Serial no. 15839D, 22
RF cal., 3 inch octagon bbl., nickel finish, pearl grips.
Manufactured in 1871-1879 with this example have a very
attractive period engraving. The engraving is a mix of
floral scrollwork on beaded background, cross hatching,
sunbursts, and entwining lines. The cylinder, barrel, and
right grip panel are numbered to the gun. Fitted with a set
of pearl grips. The period case contains a cartridge
block and 12 cartridges.
CONDITION: Very fine. The barrel and frame retain 90%
original nickel plating and the cylinder retains 40% of
original nickel plating most noticeable in the flutes. The
engraving is crisp. The grips are also very fine with a
small chip at the top (right panel) and highly attractive
fiery colors. Mechanically fine. The case is very good with
handling/storage marks and high edge wear.
Estimate: 2,000 - 3,000
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