June 9-10, 2017 Premier Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/10/2017
Octagonal smoothbore steel barrel with "NEW ORLEANS" engraved on top flat. Tang and patent breech engraved with fine scolls and with two inlaid silver bands. Small rear sight mounted on tangs and small silver sight near muzzles. Scroll engraved back action percussion lock marked "V. LIBEAU" near back of lockplate, bolster face also engraved. Plain German silver barrel key escutcheons, vacant shield style wrist escutcheon and nose cap. Engraved German Silver buttcap with steel nipple reservoir door. German silver trigger guard with engraved designs. Plain steel sideplate. Plain varnished walnut half stocks with checkered panels on each side of cane handles. Replaced wooden ramrod. Good condition; barrel and lock have been cleaned and now retain a light grey patina with scattered marks from use, edge wear, and dark spots. Markings light on barrel. Action is strong. Mounts polished and showing some wear and scattered marks, nose cap with large dent on right side. Stock refinished and showing heavy use, some minor cracks, scattered marks, and worn checkering. Sideplate has been repaired. For a similar example, see page 164, figure 171 of "The Deringer in America: Volume I" by R.L. Wilson and L.D. Eberhart. V.G.W. Libeau listed himself in four New Orleans directories as a "Gunsmith from 1834 until 1842. His business and residence were listed as 7 Camp Street.