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LOT 3301
Rare Engraved French Jarre Patent 10-Shot
Double Action Pinfire Harmonica Pistol - Serial no. 385, 9.5 mm cal., 4 3/8 inch round
bbl., bright finish, walnut grips. The Jarre Harmonica pistols were developed in the late 1850s in Paris, France. This example is loaded via a 10-round horizontal block that automatically advances between chambers when the trigger is pulled. The action is double action only. This arrangement represented a significant increase in on-hand firepower
for the era, even when compared to other repeating pinfire firearms. However, the design would not have been very practical to carry loaded. This example has a smoothbore barrel marked “Jarre Brevete Paris” and with a partially obscured maker’s mark near the
breech. The pistol is equipped with left side offset blade and notch sights. “385” is marked on the bottom of the barrel and right side of the magazine by the release. The magazine and action also have coordinating grape leaf engraving patterns.
CONDITION: Good with mostly gray patina, scattered moderate pitting, and distinct engraving. The refinished grips are also good with some minor edge wear. The action is rather worn but is functional. Provenance: The Collection of Joe M. Wanenmacher Jr. Estimate: 5,000 - 7,500
LOT 3302 Engraved Beringer System Breech Loading Pistol - NSN, 12 mm cal., 9 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Designed by French gunmaker Beatus Beringer in the 1830s. This example has no identifying markings. The pattern welded barrel has fine “microgroove” style rifling, a dovetailed blade front sight, and a short forearm. The action has floral engraving, a spurred trigger guard, an adjustable set trigger, and a notch rear sight. The stock is checkered and has a flared pommel. CONDITION: Very good with distinct twist patterns, traces of blue finish, and mostly gray patina on the barrel; dark brown on most of the action and furniture, crisp engraving, minor oxidation, and fairly light overall wear. The wood is fine and has some dings and scratches and crisp checkering. The set trigger needs work; otherwise, mechanically fine. Provenance: The Collection of Joe M. Wanenmacher Jr. Estimate: 2,500 - 3,750
LOT 3303 Engraved Jongen Freres Victor Colette Patent Gravity Feed Magazine Pistol - Serial no. VC1281, 10.5 mm cal., 9 1/8 inch octagon bbl., blue/bright finish, walnut grips. This unusual design was premiered at the Exposition Universelle of 1855 in Paris by Liege gunsmith Victor Colette. The cartridges were similar to those used in the Volcanic pistols and were stored above the barrel. When the hammer is cocked, the breech slides up and a bullet is fed into the breech by tipping the muzzle up. When the hammer is at full-cock, the breechblock falls into line with the barrel. The top of the open sided magazine has small blade and notch sights. The bottom of the barrel has “VC 1284,” and the right side has Liege proofs. The frame has floral scroll engraving, and “Jongen Fres a Liege” is in a banner on the left. The grip has scroll carving and fluting. CONDITION: Very good with gray and brown patina, areas of moderate pitting, mostly crisp engraving, legible markings, and moderate overall wear. The refinished stock is also very good and has smoothed carving, gaps at the back of the frame, edge wear, and light scratches and dings. Mechanically fine. Provenance: The Collection of Joe M. Wanenmacher Jr. Estimate: 2,250 - 3,500
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