December 17, 2026 The Estate Of Whitefoord Cole II: Firearms & Militaria
The live portion of this session begins on Thursday, December 17, 2026.
Lot #1048:
(A) PEANUT SIZED EVANS RETAILED PERCUSSION DERRINGER
Made circa the 1850s in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. James E. Evans was an Irish immigrant who was born on the Emerald Isle sometime around 1815. Evans was noted for producing not only derringer pattern pistols but also high-grade sporting shotguns. James E. Evans appears in McElroy's Philadelphia business directory in 1850 as a gun manufacturer. Later, in 1859, he is listed as a gunsmith, importer, and manufacturer. Evans is present in the directories until 1872. These Evans pistols, like examples from many other makers during the period, are clearly modeled off of Henry Deringer's iconic design, with this particular example being of noticeably high quality and condition. The top of the barrel is marked "J.E. EVANS PHILADA", and it shows nicely executed floral scroll engraving throughout, including on the breech, lock, and furniture. The barrel is fitted with a German silver blade front sight and there is a notch rear sight on the breech plug tang. The Schnabel tipped walnut stock has fine Deringer-style checkering on the grip area. CONDITION: Very fine, retains 70% of the brown finish on the barrel with traces of the original case colors on the lock. Patinaed German silver, and crisp engraving. The wood is fine with some light flaking of the varnish and a few minor blemishes in the otherwise defined checkering. Mechanically excellent.