2020 September Premier, Volume I

LOT 278
Cased Colgan of Limerick Engraved Percussion Pepperbox - NSN, 42 cal., 3 3/8 inch fluted bbl.,
casehardened finish, walnut grips. This revolver came out of the shop of Colgan & Son or William Colgan
in Limerick, Ireland, around the 1840s. It has “COLGAN, LIMERICK” inscribed on the left side of the frame,
light London proof and view type markings in the flutes of the six-shot barrel group, scroll and floral
engraving, a sliding safety, silver wrist escutcheon, checkered grip, border carving at the butt, and a small
cap compartment inside the engraved cap. The red velvet lined mahogany case has a label with a coat of
arms with three crescent moons with a band of three five pointed stars, a bird with a laurel branch over a
torse crest above the escutcheon, a banner with the motto “BEATI PACIFICI.” below (blessed are those who
make peace), and “Henry Fitz Simons” on the bottom. The case also contains a powder flask, patch cutter,
screwdriver, nipple wrench, oiler, rod, cap tin, and bullet mold. The identity of the owner is not clear
given the many men by that name in the period. One candidate is Henry Fitzsimons (1824-1902) who
immigrated to the U.S. from Ireland in the early 1850s and lived in Rock Island, Illinois, through at least the
early 1860s and is buried in Poweshiek County, Iowa.
CONDITION: Very good with strong patches of original niter blue on the top of the trigger, mottled gray
patina on the balance of the metal, crisp engraving, distinct checkering with some mild wear, and some
minor marks and scratches. The barrels do not consistently rotate when fired, but otherwise mechanically
fine. The case and accessories are very good and have mild overall wear. This is a nice set. Firearms out of
mid-19th century Ireland are rare and particularly interesting given Ireland’s turbulent
history in that period.
Estimate: 4000 - 6000
LOT 279
Engraved Four Shot Swivel
Breech Box Lock
Percussion Pistol -
NSN, 38 cal., 3 inch
solid rib bbl., blue/
casehardened finish,
walnut grips. This pistol is unmarked aside from
London style proof and view marks on the fluted barrel
ribs and scroll engraving. The barrels rotate by hand to allow
for 4 relatively quick shots using dual triggers and hammers.
The grip has a silver thumb plate, fine checkering, and an engraved
German silver pommel cap with threaded ramrod.
CONDITION: Very good with mostly dark gray and brown patina, some mild pitting/
oxidation, cracked neck and chipped nose on the right hammer, and moderate overall wear.
The grip is also very good with minor marks and scratches in the otherwise crisp checkering.
Mechanically fine.
Estimate: 1100 - 1600
LOT 280
Very Fine Cased
Engraved German
Silver Frame
English Percussion
Pepperbox - NSN, 46
cal., 3 1/2 inch fluted
bbl., casehardened/
German silver finish,
highly figured walnut
grips. This incredible
English pepperbox is
marked “IMPROVED/
REVOLVING PISTOL” on
the right side of the
German silver frame and
has casehardened finish
on the barrel group,
hammer, and trigger
guard; niter blue trigger and safety, scroll engraving, London proofs and numbered barrels (1-6), and attractive burl
walnut grips with varnish finish and “116” in tiny numerals on the left panel (probably a collection inventory number). The
case has a William Fry of Derby trade label, royal blue lining, a small brass powder flask, bore rod, ball mold, and key.
CONDITION: Very fine with 75% plus original case colors (particularly vibrant in the barrel flutes), light aged patina on the
frame and trigger guard, 20% original niter blue, crisp engraving, legible markings, and minor overall wear indicative of
a firearm that has seen very little use and has been well-maintained. The grips are also very fine and have glossy varnish,
minor scratches, slight gap on the top left, and attractive figure. Mechanically excellent. The case is very good and has
mild wear and some slivers of the interior border trim absent. The accessories are good with moderate wear. This is a very
attractive pepperbox. English pepperboxes in general are less common than their American counterparts, and finding
them in high condition with brilliant case colors is particularly difficult making this an excellent addition to any
antique arms collection.
Estimate: 2250 - 3500
LOT 281
Fine Engraved European Double Action Pinfire
Pepperbox Revolver with Pipe Case - NSN, 7 mm cal.,
1 7/8 inch round bbl., blue finish, antique ivory grips.
Manufactured by an unknown firm, with fine scroll and
floral pattern engraving, Liege proofs on the cylinder, and a
repeating assembly number “5” on some components and
“V” on others. Fitted with a pair of smooth grips, with a
black leatherette “pipe” case included.
CONDITION: Fine, with 40% of the original blue
finish, strongest in the barrel flutes, with a mixed
gray patina overall. Bright edge wear and mild
spotting are also present. The grips are also
fine, with minor age lines visible around the
escutcheons and a fine aged color and grain.
The case is very good, with scuffing and wear.
Mechanically good.
Estimate: 1200 - 1800
LOT 282
Scarce Hallmarked Silver English Bag Flask - Likely
manufactured during the early 19th century this is a
very scarce English “bag” type powder flask that bears five silver
hallmarks. The hallmarks appear to be a “TC” or “TO” maker’s mark, an “anchor” Birmingham
proof, two unidentified proofs, and what appears to be the “duty mark” of King William IV which would date
the flask from 1834 to 1837. The body of the flask is solid silver with the remaining fittings of brass. The only
other markings on the flask are the dram measurements on the adjustable spout and there is a lanyard ring
attached to the bottom.
CONDITION: Very fine, silver body shows an attractive age-darkened patina and the brass fittings also show an
attractive antique patina. A scarce flask that deserves a place within a very prestigious cased set!
Estimate: 1400 - 2250
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