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LOT 249
Unique Engraved British Proofed Side Lever Cocking Rimfire Side by Side Howdah Pistol - NSN, 50 cal., 9 7/8 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut grips. These innovative and powerful pistols were popular with British officers in the mid to late 19th century, particularly those in Africa and India where they were valuable as sidearms in the case of attack by either the native human population or the dangerous wildlife such as tigers and water buffalo. Though there are many interesting designs seen in the genre of howdah pistols, this design is particularly unique. The action is an interesting sidelock with side lever type cocking pieces, internal rimfire firing pins, and an sliding break lever on top. There are Birmingham proofs on the bottom of the barrels and on the water table, and the only other visible marking is “1905” hand-scratched on the right of the grip frame. There are flourishes of fine English
scroll on the action and trigger guard. It is fitted with blade front and two-leaf notch rear sights, checkered walnut grips, and a lanyard ring on the butt. CONDITION: Very good, the barrels retain 95% plus of the period refinished blue finish, and the action shows mostly a smooth grey patina with some extensive scattered light pitting. The grips are fine with some scattered minor blemishes in the otherwise crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500
LOT 251
Unusual Engraved Beringer Type Single Shot
“Rotating” Breech Loading Pistol - NSN, 38 cal., 9 3/4 inch octagon
bbl., brown/bright finish, walnut grips. Designed by French gunmaker
Beatus Beringer in the 1830s. This example has no identifying markings, but has
extensive floral scroll engraving on the action. The pattern welded, Damascus patterned barrel
is smoothbore and is fitted with the base of a blade front sight (blade broken off ) and a notch
rear sight. The action has the typical rotary underlever and pivoting breech block of the Beringer
system. It has a spurred trigger guard and a fluted and lightly floral carved grip.
CONDITION: Very good, the barrel retains traces of the original brown finish and strong pattern weld/Damascus patterns, while the remainder of the metal shows a smooth grey patina with some scattered light pitting and mostly crisp engraving. The grip is also very good with some scattered minor dings. Mechanically fine. Estimate: 2,500 - 3,500
LOT 252
Excellent Cased Pair of German Under Lever Single Shot Target Pistols Retailed by A. Voelker of Buenos Aires -A) Under Lever Target Pistol - Serial no. 547, 8 mm cal., 9 3/4 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut grips. Adolph Voelker was a retailer in Buenos Aires in the early 20th century. The barrels are struck with post-1891 German proof marks and are signed “A. VOELKER, BUENOS AIRES, SAN MARTIN 379” on the ribs and feature beaded blade front sights. Matching serial numbers are found on various components. Screw adjustable notch rear sights are fitted on the upper tangs. The pistols also feature border and scroll engraving, single set triggers, checkered forearms and stocks, and a shared leather case with “J.V.G.” inscribed on the lid escutcheon and a pair of cleaning rods.
CONDITION: Excellent with 95% plus original blue with scattered patches of light pitting, 97% vivid casehardened finish remaining, and only minimal light handling and storage marks. The wood is also excellent and has some light scratches and dings and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The case is very good and has mild wear including some tears in the lining. B) Under Lever Target Pistol - Serial no. 548, 8 mm cal., 9 3/4 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut grips. See “A.”
CONDITION: Excellent with 95% plus original blue with scattered light patches of pitting, 85% original
casehardened finish remaining, minimal light handling and storage wear, and some very faint spots of oxidation.
The wood is also excellent and has crisp checkering, minor scratches and dings, and smooth oiled finish.
Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 6,000 - 8,000 239
LOT 250
Scarce Engraved Victor Collette Gravity Feed Pistol - Serial no. VC868, 10 mm cal.,
9 1/8 inch octagon bbl., 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. Pulling the hammer to full-cock drops the breechblock back in line with the barrel. The top of the open sided magazine has small blade and notch sights. The barrel has “VC868” on the bottom. The frame has floral and scroll engraving, and the grip has scroll carving and fluting. The upper tang by the screw has “V. COLETTE/BREVETE.” CONDITION: Very good with brightly polished metal, mostly distinct engraving, some minor pitting, and generally minor wear. The grip is also very good and has distinct carving, handling and storage marks, and minor flaking at the edge. Mechanically fine. Estimate: 2,500 - 3,750