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LOT 1290
Engraved, Gold Inlaid, Silver Accented, and Relief Carved Pair of P.J. Malherbe
Percussion Dueling Pistols with Accessories -A) P.J. Malherbe Pistol - NSN, 54 cal., 9 5/8
inch octagon bbl., gray/gold finish, ebony stock. These mid 19th century pistols are signed “P.J.
MALHERBE A LIEGE” in gold inlay with gold floral accents on the top of the barrels and also
have gold and silver dots and gold bands at the breeches. Pierre Joseph Malherbe is mostly
known for military arms. The textured “Damascus” barrels are rifled and have dovetailed blade front sights and Liege proofs,
and non-adjustable notch rear sights are fitted to the upper tangs. The pistols are equipped with spurred trigger guards and
adjustable single set triggers. The furniture is engraved with primarily scroll patterns. The wedge escutcheons are also silver, and
the stocks have carved lion heads, nicely carved borders at the edges of the wrist checkering, carved antique ivory pommel
borders, and silver trapdoor compartments with what appear to be “crown/ED” hallmarks along with a classic Greco-Roman
mask design possibly representing Hercules on the pommels. Includes the interior portion of the pair’s case along with a
variety of loading and maintenance tools.
CONDITION: Fine with distinct twist patterns and bright original gold along the barrel, minor oxidation on the otherwise
gray lock and furniture, aged patina on the silver, and generally minor wear. The stock is good and has some thin cracks
in the forend, chipping on the carved border of the pommel, crisp lion head carving and checkering, and minor scratches
and dings. Mechanically fine. The detached case section is fair, with broken divisions. The accessories are generally fine
with mild storage wear. B) P.J. Malherbe Pistol - NSN, 54 cal., 9 5/8 inch octagon bbl., gray/gold finish, ebony stock.
See “A.”
CONDITION: Fine with distinct twist patterns and bright original gold inlays on the barrel, some mild oxidation on the
otherwise gray lock and furniture, dark aged patina on the silver, and generally minor wear. The stock is very good and has
a small crack between the lock and bolster, a crack along the left side from the rear of the trigger guard bow to the edge of
the forend, minor age cracks on the carved pommel border, crisp carving and checkering, a divot on the bottom of the forend,
and some light scratches and dings. Mechanically fine. These are attractive mid 19th century dueling pistols.
Estimate: 5,500 - 7,500
LOT 1289
Fine Gastinne-Renette Cased Pair of Engraved and Relief
Carved Percussion Dueling/Target Pistols -A) Percussion
Dueling/Target Pistol - NSN, 45 cal., 9 3/8 inch fluted octagon
bbl., blue/casehardened finish, ebony stock. These mid-19th
century pistols have no visible markings but come in a fitted
case with “H. d’A.” inscribed on the lid escutcheon and “GASTINNE
RENETTE/BREVETE/A PARIS” in gilt lettering inside the lid. The
barrels are rifled and have dovetailed blade front sights, fluted
midsections accented by scroll engraving, and scroll engraved
breech plugs with sculpted and fenced bolsters. The locks and
furniture are also scroll engraved, and the ebony stocks have relief
scroll carving and fluted wrists. The case contains a suite of loading
and maintenance accessories.
CONDITION: Fine with 95% plus of the high polish original blue
finish remaining on the barrel, mostly silver-gray patina on the
polished lock and mounts with traces of vibrant case colors in the
protected areas, crisp engraving, and minor oxidation. The stock is
very fine and has crisp carving and fluting and a few minor marks
and scratches. Mechanically excellent. The case and accessories are
very fine with some light age and storage related wear.
B) Percussion Dueling/Target Pistol - NSN, 45 cal., 9 3/8 inch
octagon bbl., blue/casehardened finish, ebony stock. As described
in “A.”
CONDITION: Fine with 90% plus bright original blue finish on the
barrel, mostly polished silver-gray patina on the balance, traces of
original case colors in the protected areas, crisp engraving, minimal
light oxidation, and minor storage wear. The stock is very fine and
has crisp carving and fluting and a few light scratches and marks.
Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 8,000 - 11,000