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Only Known Original Cased Set of Andrew Wurfflein Manufactured Deringer-Style Pistols
LOT 3123
Exceptional Cased Pair of Engraved Andrew Wurfflein Derringer Percussion Pocket Pistols -A) A. Wurfflein Derringer Pocket Pistol - NSN, 34 cal., 2 inch flat top round bbl., brown/casehardened/German silver finish, walnut stock. The included display sign in the case notes that these exceptional derringers are the only known original cased pair by Andrew Wurfflein. Henry Deringer’s pistols were widely copied and most popular in the 1850s and 1860s. Wurfflein was located at 335 North Third Street in 1845-1850 and established his famous shop at 208 North 2nd Street in 1851. He was also one of the original founders of the Philadelphia Schuetzen Verien. The barrels have recessed/coned muzzles, seven-groove rifling, tiny dovetailed blade front sights, “A. WURFFLEIN Phila” inscribed on top, banded breeches, and notch rear sights on the engraved upper tangs. The locks also have scroll engraving. The furniture is German silver and also features scroll and floral engraving. The stocks have checkered wrists. The case contains a Dixon & Sons marked combination flask with separate compartments for powder, balls, and caps; a “120” marked ball mold (120 bore = approximately .34 caliber) with one arm also serving as a loading rod, small ebony container with three lead balls, a small loading rod, and a compartment with some patches.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, appears unfired, with 85% plus original brown finish and “Damascus” patterns visible on the barrel, nearly all of the
original dark case colors with some brighter flashes on the hammer, crisp engraving and markings, mellow aged patina on the German silver furniture, and general minor age and storage related wear. The stock is very fine and has crisp checkering, a few mild ding
and scratches, and slight repairs behind the forend cap. Mechanically excellent. The case is also very fine and has some minor tears on the lining at the edges, minor fading, and light scratches and dings on the exterior. The accessories are also very fine with minor storage related wear overall and some mild pitting on the mold.
B) A. Wurfflein Derringer Pocket Pistol -
NSN, 34 cal., 2 inch flat top round bbl., brown/
casehardened/German silver finish, walnut stock. See “A.”
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, appears unfired, with 90% original brown finish and “Damascus” patterns on the barrel, nearly all of the original dark case colors remaining and some brighter flashes of color on the hammer, crisp engraving and markings throughout, mellow aged patina on the German silver furniture, cracked sideplate, and minor overall wear
from age and storage. The stock is fine with mostly crisp checkering, mild handling wear, and some dings and scratches. Mechanically fine. Provenance: The Collection of Douglas Eberhart.
Estimate: 16,000 - 22,500