December 17, 2026 The Estate Of Whitefoord Cole II: Firearms & Militaria
The live portion of this session begins on Thursday, December 17, 2026.
Lot #1027:
(A) ENGRAVED BUTTERFIELD AUTO PRIMING PERCUSSION DERRINGER
Very scarce and desirable derringer by Jesse S. Butterfield and Simeon Marshall of Philadelphia. They were granted U.S. Patent 24,372 for an "improvement in self-priming gun-locks". Only a small number of Butterfield derringers are known. "Flayderman's Guide" notes "Butterfields are among the most sought after of all variations of derringer pistols." The lock on this pocket pistol features a spring loaded tube carrying primers up to a reciprocating arm which is connected to the hammer so that a fresh primer is lined up with the nipple automatically each time the hammer is cocked. The lock is marked "BUTTERFIELD'S/PATENT DEC. 11. 1855" and features scroll engraving. The barrel has seven groove rifling, a blade front sight, and a casehardened breech plug with inlaid German silver bands. The mounts are German silver with scroll engraving, a pineapple finial on the trigger plate, and shaded borders on the wrist escutcheon and pommel inlay. The stock has a Schnabel forend tip and a checkered bird's head grip. CONDITION: The Damascus finished barrel features a beautiful and even plum patina. The lock plate and hammer have traces of case colors. Mechanically fine with a dark bore.