March 1-2, 2018 Firearms, Militaria & Sporting
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/2/2018
This well-made and quality pistol is a close copy of one of the famous Philadelphia Deringer pistols, copied by Gillespie, one of the countless makers that imitated the Deringer. Gillespie is originally listed as a member of the Wolf & Gillespie firm in 1848, located at 193 Pearl St in New York City. The firm is listed as an importer of guns and pistols until 1858, when he becomes a "hardware merchant". An identical example can be found on pages 104-105 of "Volume I: The Deringer in America" by R.L. Wilson and L.D. Eberhart. Faetures a rounded rifled steel barrel with tapered top flat stamped "CAST STEEL", patent breech engraved with scrolls and stamped "GILLESPIE/WARRANTED" on top. Small front and rear sights. Flat back action percussion lock with scroll engraving and stamped "GILLESPIE" behind hammer. Partially figured Deringer style varnished walnut stock with checkered panels around back of grip. Mounted with engraved steel triggerguard and German silver Deringer type furniture. Very good condition, overall. Steel components retain a light grey patina and have excellent markings, showing little wear, hammer functions an mechanism is tight. Bore has deep lands and grooves with some light black powder corrosion. Stock very good, retaining much of original finish, some flattening and wear on left side of grip and some edges worn slightly. German silver mounts retain a mellow patina.