(A) EXQUISITE CASED PAIR OF R. P. BRUFF SILVER MOUNTED PERCUSSION DERRINGERS.

Richard Bruff was active in New York City from 1858 to 1878. This wonderful pair of pocket pistols is in the style of the iconic Philadelphia Deringer. Brilliant mottled pattern blued barrels with dovetailed silver blade front sights. The top flats are marked "R.P. BRUFF" in an arc over "NY" and "CAST STEEL" all in a double line bordered panel. There are approximately 7/8" triangles of shared foliate scroll engraving extending from the breech on both sides of the barrel. The case hardened breeches also have flourishes of scroll and pair of gold inlaid bands. Scroll engraved back action locks with sculpted serpentine hammers with dolphin heads. Checkered American walnut grips in classic bird's head form mounted with lovely engraved silver mounts. The pair is housed in its French fitted mahogany case. The case has brass corner supports and a vacant brass presentation plate on the lid. It is lined in brown crushed velvet. The case is also fitted for the following included accessories: fluted combination flask/cap box/ball container, American eagle motif Goldmark's cap tin, brass 2-cavity round ball mold, brass rod, and two spare nipples. PROVENANCE: This cased set is pictured on page 99 of "The Derringer in America" Volume 1 by Wilson and Eberhard, then part of the Hal DuPont collection. CONDITION: Very Fine. Both guns display wonderful patterned blue on the barrels with some minor spots of fading. There are strong flashes of case color, especially in the protected areas, the balance drifting towards a mellow patina. Grip checkering is sharp. Stocks have some scattered light impressions. Silver has a lovely mellowed patina with a few darker areas. Crisp and especially bright bores showing little if any evidence of having ever been fired. Mechanics are also crisp. Case appears lightly cleaned with some scattered impressions. Liner shows minimal fading and some expected wear from the accessories. Accessories are fine. Believed to be the finest known pair of Bruff's derringers.

Name

Value

Accessories

Case

Barrel Length

(BOTH) 1 - 15/16"

Caliber/Bore

(BOTH) .44 Rifled

FFL Status

Antique

Manufacturer

(BOTH) R. P. Bruff