Page 113 - 4095-BOOK2

LOT 1108
Very Fine Engraved Andrew Wurfflein Philadelphia
Percussion Derringer Pistol - NSN, 41 cal., 2 1/8 inch
flat top round bbl., brown/
casehardened/German
silver finish, walnut stock.
Manufactured c. 1845-
1871, “The Deringer in
America Vol. I” by Wilson and
Eberhart notes that Andrew
Wurfflein was the first of his
family to be listed as a gunsmith and operated from a few
different addresses in Philadelphia during that period, and
a similar .45 caliber example with a slightly longer barrel is
pictured on p. 91 of the same book. Though Wurfflein’s total
production is unknown, the previously mentioned book states
that it is believed his residence was attached to his shop from approximately 1845 to 1858, meaning
in was a significantly smaller operation than some of the more prolific derringer
makers, making Wurfflein examples comparatively rare
on the collectors market. The top barrel flat is
marked “A. WURFFLEIN/PHILA” and “STEEL” is
faintly marked on the upper right flat. There
is attractive floral scroll engraving on various
components. There is a somewhat illegible
marking on the toe of the stock and trigger
guard tang that may be “1313”, with the “1” markings upside
down. The barrel has attractive “false Damascus” figure, German silver bands at the
breech, and a German silver blade front sight. There is a notch rear sight on the breech plug tang.
The stock is smooth walnut with a Schnabel tip and checkering on the grip area.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 80% of the original brown finish on the barrel with distinct “striped Damascus” figure,
grey patina on the balance, bright German silver, and crisp engraving overall. The wood is fine with some scattered
light varnish flaking/handling marks and well-defined checkering. Mechanically excellent. A very fine derringer from
one of the more desirable makers!
Estimate: 1,800 - 2,750
LOT 1107
Exceptional J.E. Evans Philadelphia Derringer Percussion
Pistol - NSN, 45 cal., 2 5/8 inch flat top round bbl., brown/
casehardened/German silver finish, walnut stock.
James E. Evans
appears in McElroy’s
Philadelphia
business directory
in 1850 as a gun
manufacturer. Later,
in 1859, he is listed
as a gunsmith, importer,
and manufacturer. Evans is present in the directories until
1872. These Evans pistols, like examples from many other makers
during the period, are clearly modeled off of Henry Deringer’s
iconic design, with this particular example being of noticeably
high quality and condition. The top of the barrel is marked “J.E.
EVANS PHILADA”, and it shows nicely executed floral scroll engraving
throughout, including on the breech, lock, and furniture. The barrel has six-
groove rifling and is fitted with a German silver blade front sight and there is
a notch rear sight on the breech plug tang. The Schnabel
tipped stock is of walnut and has fine Deringer
style checkering on the grip area.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 70% of
the brown finish on the barrel with a distinct
“striped Damascus” pattern, 60% of the original
case colors on the lock, more vibrant in sheltered
areas, bright German silver, and crisp engraving
overall. The wood is fine with some light flaking of the varnish and a few
minor blemishes in the otherwise defined checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 2,000 - 3,000
LOT 1109
Desirable “Peanut” Size Deringer Marked Percussion
Pocket Pistol with A. J. Plate San Francisco
Retailer Marking - NSN, 41 cal., 1 5/8
inch flat top round bbl.,
brown/casehardened/
silver finish, walnut stock.
Manufactured c. the 1859-
1863, this is a solid example
of the ever-desirable “peanut”
sized derringer pistol with a very
collectible California retailer marking. The A.J. Plate
marking on the top of the barrel of this example makes
it particularly desirable to collectors not only because
it was sold in the American West, but also because
Plate was one of many named defendants in court cases
brought by Henry Deringer. Charles Schlotterbeck, a former
prominent employee of Deringer headed westward in 1858, ending
up in the employ of A.J. Plate as a gunsmith,
later being a founding
member of Slotter &
Co. which continued
to produce derringers.
From there, it has been
inferred by Wilson and
Eberhart in “The Deringer
in American Vol. I” that Schlotterbeck began
making counterfeit Deringer pistols for Plate. The Schlotterbeck
made copies of Deringer’s pistol are often cited as having been of higher quality than the originals, with
one of the reasons being that Schlotterbeck seems to have primarily used full steel barrels rather that
the copper streaked twist barrels of the original Deringers. It is said that A.J Plate sold both legitimate
Deringers as well as the “peanut” sized Schlotterbeck made copies, with it said that he could acquire the
copies cheaper. The writer believes this example to be one of those made by Schlotterbeck. The barrel has
seven-groove rifling and has the A.J Plate retailer marking on top and the “DERINGER/PHILADELA” marking
on top of the breech and on the lockplate, along with a “P” on the upper left of the breech. It has standard
floral scroll engraving on the lock and on the German silver and silver plated furniture. The stock is walnut
with the typical checkering on the grip area.
CONDITION: Very good, showing mostly grey patina and some light pitting on the iron components, bright
German silver, and almost all of the original silver plating, which shows an attractive, dark, aged patina. The
wood is also very good with some light handling marks and defined checkering. Mechanically excellent. An
interesting, California retailed example of the desirable “peanut” derringer!
Estimate: 1,800 - 2,750
LOT 1110
Very Scarce Engraved Josiah
Ells Third Model Double Action Pocket
Percussion Revolver - Serial no. 42, 31 percussion
cal., 3 3/4 inch octagon bbl., blue finish, walnut
grips. Only an estimated 200 of these “Sidehammer
Model” revolvers were manufactured by Josiah Ells in
Pittsburgh in the late 1850s. It has light engraving on the
rear section of the frame, a spot for a cone front sight (absent),
top strap groove rear sight, “ELLS PATENT” (left) and “AUG. 1 1854/APRIL. 28. 1857.”
(right) on the sides of the hammer, “42” on the back of the left grip and right side of
the frame, and “23” engraved on the butt.
CONDITION: Very fine with 85% bright original high polish blue on the barrel and cylinder, 30% of blue on
the frame, attractive case colors on the loading lever and subtler case colors on the hammer, light brown
and gray patina on the balance, some spots of minor pitting, and mild overall wear. The very fine grips
are have strong finish, a chip on the right at the toe, moderate edge wear, and numerous small dings and
scratches. It works in double action but does not hold at full cock in single action. These revolvers are very
hard to find, especially with significant original blue finish like this one.
Estimate: 2,000 - 3,000 111