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LOT 1188
Elaborate Relief Chiseled Game Scene Engraved, Etched, Relief Carved,
and Gold Inlaid Belgian Double Action
Pinfire Revolver with Folding Dagger -
Serial no. 4991, 11 mm cal., 5 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/French grey/gold finish, ebony grips.
Handguns with blades on board were fairly popular in the second half of the 19th century but they were never nearly as common as regular revolvers and pistols, and high end examples like this one are very hard to find. Most had much simpler decoration if any.
This c. 1860s revolver features relief engraved scenes of a dog, wolf, and stag on the cylinder with gold inlaid borders along with relief engraved
entwining scrollwork and floral accents on the barrel and frame. The 5 1/4 inch folding dagger blade has etched classical martial patterns. The barrel is fitted
with a bead triangular blade front sight and is marked with “crown/EL” on the left at the breech. An ejector is fitted on the right side. The cylinder has Liege proofs. The grips have relief carved foliate scroll patterns. “172966” is marked at the junction of the barrel lug and frame followed by “4991” on the frame.
CONDITION: Fine with bright gold inlay, crisp engraving, 60% original blue finish, mostly smooth French gray on the frame, darker backgrounds on the engraving
ctive pinfire revolver with beautiful artistry and a
and etching, bright blade with faint pitting, and general minor age and storage related wear. The grips are also fine and have crisp relief carving and minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent. This is definitely a very attractive and distin
desirable folding dagger bayonet.
Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500
LOT 1189
Massive Engraved J.J. Herman Brevete
18-Shot Percussion Pepperbox - NSN, 8 mm cal.,
3 1/4 inch round bbl., bright finish, ebony grips. Jean-Jacques Herman
was a Belgian gunmaker active c. 1829-1855 who appears to have
specialized in multi-barrel handguns and clearly pushed the envelope
with this impressive revolver. It has a cluster of twelve outer barrels
and six inner barrels fitted to a shared breech plate. The barrels are etched Damascus
and are rifled. They barrels and breech plate also have corresponding numbers. An
oval Liege “E/LG/*” proof is marked on the breech plate between barrel 12 and 13. The frame
features extensive scroll engraving and has “J.J. HERMAN. D./BREVETE” marked on top. The trigger guard is spurred. The ebony grip is fluted. The pommel cap has a small compartment.
CONDITION: Very good with distinct Damascus twist patterns along the barrels, crisp engraving, bright polished metal throughout, and generally minor overall wear. The grip is fine and has distinct fluting, smooth finish, a small flake at the left of the upper tang, a minor chip and crack at the lower tang, and light handling wear. Mechanically excellent. This is certainly a very imposing handgun. While images of these are popular on-line, you almost never get the opportunity to buy one of these!
Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500
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