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LOT 1287
Presentation Cased Set of Two Elaborate Gold and Silver Damascened Orbea Hermanos Pinfire Revolvers -A) Orbea Hermanos Lefaucheux Model 1854 Pattern Pinfire Revolver - Serial no. 8288, 11 mm cal., 6 1/2 inch round bbl., gold/silver/black finish, ebony grips. This cased pair has extensive Damascene style gold and silver grape leaf and grape patterns covering nearly all of the metal surfaces and both have Orbea Hermanos markings. They come in
a shared fitted case with coordinating engraved rods, a screwdriver, and an oiler. The case has Damascened furniture and includes an ornate “PJF” monogram on the lid. The Orbea Brothers of Eibar (Juan Manuel, Mateo, and Casimo Orbea) opened their shop in 1859 and manufactured mainly Lefaucheux designs initially but also later produced a wide variety of firearms and became the largest of the Eibar gunmakers and the largest of the Spanish handgun manufacturers and later became a bicycle company.
The first revolver in the set is based on the Lefaucheux Model 1854 and has a bead style front sight on a raised, dovetailed base and “ORBEA HERMANOS EIBAR” on top of the barrel. Matching partial or full serial numbers are on various components, including the grips which have relief carving that coordinates with the gold and silver patterns on the metal.
CONDITION: Extremely fine with 90% plus original finish, bright original gold, aged patina on the silver, dark backgrounds, and mild age and storage related wear. The grips are very fine and have crisp carving. Mechanically excellent. The case and accessories are very fine and have bright gold damascene patterns on the exterior, minor contact wear and stains on the case interior, crisp engraving and aged patina on the rods, and minor overall age and storage related wear.
B) Orbea Hermanos Pinfire Pepperbox - Serial no. 444, 7 mm cal., 1 7/8 inch round bbl., gold/ silver/black finish, ebony grips. The second handgun is a small double action only pepperbox with a rifled, six-shot barrel group, a folding trigger and spurless hammer. It is decorated
with the same patterns as the first pistol and
has “ORBEA HERS/EIBAR” on the left side of the trigger, and “444” on the right side of the trigger and on various components.
CONDITION: Extremely fine with 95% plus original finish, bright original gold, mixed aged patina on the silver, dark backgrounds, and mild overall wear. The grips are very fine and have crisp carving. Mechanically excellent. This is an incredible example of 19th century Spanish arms making and the country’s famous damascene artistry.
Estimate: 25,000 - 37,500
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