Page 118 - 4095-BOOK1

116
LOT 111
Henri Goossens & Sons Double Action Pinfire Revolver Sword with Sheath - Serial no. 207,
9 mm Pinfire cal., 4 inch round bbl., blue finish, ebonized grips. Manufactured in Belgium c. 1864-
1885, this fine saber has a pinfire revolver mechanism integrated into the hilt and guard of a military style
saber. Measuring 40 inches overall, with a 33” long curved blade with single fullers transitioning to double fullers near the tip,
fine wire etched scroll and martial themes, and a short tang that doubles as the cylinder pin. The barrel is mounted to a metal
baseplate that also includes an ejector rod, and when installed sits to the immediate right of the barrel. A three-branch knuckleguard and checkered grips are fitted to the hilt,
with the trigger mechanism protected by the guard, “207” on the right side of the topstrap and “H.G. & F./BREVETES” on the left. Matching full and partial numbers are present on
multiple components. Included with the lot is an iron scabbard, which is contoured on the side to slip under the revolver barrel.
CONDITION: Fine, with bright polish on the very fine blade and a mixed brown and gray patina on the hilt and revolver components, showing some discoloration near the tip,
mild wear, and light spotting. The grips are fine, with minor scuffing and a small amount of shrinkage. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
LOT 113
Scarce Finely Engraved John Syms Medium Frame Underhammer Percussion Pepperbox with Ivory Grips -
NSN, 31 cal., 3 inch solid rib cluster bbl., blue finish, ivory grips. Manufactured c. the early 1830s by John G. Syms, who
later formed half of the Blunt & Syms partnership that mass produced these pepperboxes as well as other firearms.
Pepperboxes like this one, which were produced prior to the partnership with Orison Blunt, are rarely found and are
truly scarce in such high condition. These pepperbox pistols were a popular option for carrying in a coat pocket for self-
defense, and are thus rarely found with this much finish remaining. This example is neatly hand engraved with “J.Syms,”
on top of the frame, which is surrounded by beautifully executed floral scroll engraving throughout the frame. The barrel
group is unmarked and has concave solid ribs between each
of the barrels. It is fitted with an underhammer, ring trigger,
and a very attractive pair of smooth antique ivory grips.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 70% plus of the original blue finish
on the barrels and traces on the frame with the balance
mostly a smooth grey patina, and the engraving remaining
crisp. The grips are very fine with a few hairline age cracks
around the screw bolsters and some light handling marks.
Mechanically excellent. A very rare, early 19th century
Syms pepperbox!
Estimate: 1,800 - 2,750
LOT 112
Attractive Engraved Blunt & Syms Attributed Percussion “Dragoon” Pepperbox with Ivory
Grips - NSN, 36 cal., 5 1/2 inch solid rib cluster bbl., blue finish, ivory grips. Manufactured c. the mid-19th
century, this is a very attractive example of a large, belt-sized percussion pepperbox pistol. The frame
has attractive floral scroll engraving throughout and there appear to be no other markings on the pistol.
It is fitted with a ring trigger, underhammer, solid concave ribs between the barrels,
and a pair of attractive ivory grips.
CONDITION: Fine, retaining 70% of the original blue finish on the barrel group and traces of the original blue finish on the remainder with the balance a smooth grey patina
and crisp engraving. The grips are very fine with a few hairline age cracks and some scattered light handling marks. Mechanically functions.
Estimate: 2,000 - 3,000
LOT 110
Rare British Combination Pinfire Pepperbox Revolver/Stiletto Cane Gun - NSN, 5 mm PF cal., 1 1/4 inch fluted bbl.,
nickel finish, horn grips. This fascinating mid to late 19th century cane conceals a powerful surprise: a six-shot pepperbox
revolver and a 4 1/4 inch long fixed stiletto blade attached to the horn grip. The folding trigger helps provide tension to
secure the weapon into the shaft. The cylinder has alternating London proof marks and is loaded via a hinged loading
gate. The shaft is 32 1/4 inches long, and the overall length is 34 1/8 inches. We have seen few other examples, one marked
“BRIGG LONDON.” Aside from the proof marks, this example is unmarked. It is being de-accessioned from the famous George
F. Harding Jr. Collection at the Art Institute of Chicago (reference number:1982.2956a-b).
CONDITION: Very fine with mostly bright period nickel plated finish on the pepperbox and stiletto, aged patina on the cane
mounts, minor flaking and wear to the shaft, and generally fairly light overall wear. Mechanically functions.
Provenance: The George F. Harding Jr. Collection; The Art Institute of Chicago.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500