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LOT 92
Attractive Nimschke Attributed Engraved Marston Three-Barrel Superposed Derringer
with Pearl Grips - Serial no. 147, 32 RF cal., 3 inch fluted bbl., blue/silver finish, pearl grips.
Manufactured c. 1864 to 1872, it is believed that only around 3,300 of these interesting pistols
were produced, with far fewer examples showing this level of engraving. Relatively few of
these Marston pistols show engraving, factory or otherwise, and even fewer show engraving
from the shop of L.D. Nimschke such as this example. The pistol shows beautifully executed
floral scroll engraving on the sides of the frame, while the sides of the barrels and the back
strap show geometric knot patterns. There is a “Nimschke star” on the top of the back strap
just behind the hammer, a very good indication the engraving was executed by the master
himself. The left of the frame at the center of the engraving is marked with the Wm. W. Marston
address and patent marking, while the right has the 0-3 shot counter numbers. The matching
serial number is marked on the left of the grip frame and rear of the barrel lug. It is fitted with
a German silver blade front sight, which shows period reshaping, notch rear sight on top of the
barrel latch, and a pair of smooth pearl grips.
CONDITION: Very good, the iron showing mostly a bright grey patina with some scattered light
pitting and the brass showing attractively aged patina, with the engraving remaining crisp
overall. The grips are also fine with a couple light edge chips, a hairline crack, and otherwise
only the slightest handling marks. Mechanically functions.
Estimate: 2,250 - 3,500
LOT 91
Fine Factory Engraved Lindsay “Young-America” Two-
Shot Pocket Percussion Pistol - Serial no. 220, 41 cal., 4 inch
slab sided bbl., blue/brass finish, walnut grips. Manufactured
in the early 1860s, this is a scarce example of one of only a
few hundred of these two-shot pistols produced by the Union
Knife Co. of Naugatuck, Connecticut. These innovative pistols
were designed by John P. Lindsay, who is believed to have come
up with the design after his brother was killed during a Native
American attack, during which he faced two assailants and only
had one shot with his musket. It is said that Lindsay believed that,
had his brother had a multi-shot firearm, he would still be alive.
Like the other superposed load weapons experimented with in the
mid-19th century, the bullet of the second load was supposed to
serve as the gas seal to prevent the second powder charge from also
igniting, but even very slight imperfection could allow both charges
to ignite. The 16th Michigan Volunteers were armed with Lindsay rifle-
muskets in 1864 and reported that multiple discharges were common
and regularly destroyed their weapons. For this reason, the stacked
loads that had been experimented with since at least the 16th century
never caught on. This example shows the typical factory engraving
featuring floral scroll on the sides of the brass frame, a lion, stand of
arms, and eagle motif on the left of the barrel, and floral scrollwork
surrounding the standard five-line manufacturer, model, and patent
information on the right. The matching serial number is marked on the
left of the grip frame, bottom of the barrel, and in pencil inside both
grip panels. It is fitted with a German silver blade front sight, integral
notch rear sight on top of the frame, and a pair of smooth walnut grips.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 50% plus of the original blue finish having
thinned in some areas to show a grey or brown patina, and a few
patches of light freckling and flash pitting. The brass shows a very
attractive, lightly aged patina and the engraving is crisp overall. The
grips are also very fine with a few scattered light handling marks.
Mechanically excellent. A rare 19th century American pistol that is
absent from many collections!
Estimate: 2,750 - 4,250
LOT 94
Attractive Engraved Whitney Arms Co. Model No. 2 1/2 Spur Trigger Revolver with 5
Inch Extra Length Barrel and Pearl Grips - Serial no. 4764B, 38 RF cal., 5 inch octagon bbl., nickel finish, pearl grips.
Manufactured c. 1871 to 1879, this is a very attractive example of an extensively engraved Whitney Model No. 2 1/2 pocket
revolver with an extra length, 5 inch barrel. Norm Flayderman estimates that only approximately 5,000 of these were
manufactured with the Whitneyville markings, with the writer having observed very few with engraving and extra length
barrels. The revolver shows near full coverage floral scroll, cross-hatch, and scalloped Nimschke pattern engraving. The top of
the barrel has the faint Whitneyville address. The serial number is marked on the butt and matching last three digits are on the rear
face of the cylinder. It has standard sights and is fitted with an attractive pair of smooth pearl grips.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 50% plus of the original nickel finish with the balance having thinned to reveal a smooth brown patina or
attractively aged brass , a few scattered patches of light surface pitting, and crisp engraving overall. The grips are very fine with a few
scattered light handling marks. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 1,600 - 2,500
LOT 93
Outstanding Hopkins & Allen Vest Pocket Derringer Pistol with Pearl Grips and Case -
Serial no. 795, 22 RF cal., 1 3/4 inch slab sided bbl., nickel finish, pearl grips. One of less than
1,400 Vest Pocket Derringers manufactured from 1911-1915. The model was also known
as the “Parrot Beak” due to its shape. The Derringer has standard two-line Hopkins & Allen
address on the left of the barrel, and engraved floral scroll flourishes and zig-zag line
borders. It is fitted with a folding trigger, blade front sight, and a pair of pearl grips with
“HA” monogram medallions. Includes a custom hardwood case stamped “L.H./SMITH” on
the bottom, lined with maroon baize, and having an empty cartridge block inside.
CONDITION: Excellent, retains 98% of the of the original nickel finish with a small speck
of flaking on the left of the barrel, some light scratches, and crisp engraving. The grips
are also excellent with a few light handling marks. Mechanically excellent. The case is
every fine with only the slightest handling/storage wear.
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 2,000 - 3,500
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