GUN SPRING 2017
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, April 11, 2017.
HISTORIC AND EXCEPTIONAL EDWIN FORREST OWNED CASED PAIR OF HENRY DERINGER DUELERS. DERRINGER DUELLERS NSN 54 Cal. 54. 12-1/2" overall, 7" oct bbl, engraved German silver and steel mounted. These guns are in spectacular condition, retaining virtually all of their orig finish and according to authority Doug Eberhart who once owned these stated they are "they are the best of their kind". Edwin Forrest (1806-1872) was probably the most popular American actors of his day. In 1823, Forrest, according to his memoirs, became friends with James and Rezin Bowie and at some point was given Jim Bowie's favorite knife. Whether Forrest in some of his grandiose recollections actually possessed Jim Bowie's Bowie or not, the knife along with these Deringers are among spectacular arms he did own in the mid-19th century. As Mr. Forrest had no heirs, he established the Edwin Forrest Home near Philadelphia as a retirement home for old actors. In a arms display case were various arms belonging to Forrest along with his other effects that the Board of Governors of the the Edwin Forrest Home sold in 1988. Regardless of any history this is no doubt among the most beautiful pair of Henry Deringer cased pistols extant. PROVENANCE: Pistols: Edwin Forrest Home, Philadelphia; Ex-William R. Williamson Collection, 1988; pictured on page 109 of Steel Canvas, R. L. Wilson; Ex-Doug Eberhart Collection. CONDITION: Pistols are both extremely fine overall, though pistol on top (gun 1) has some light pitting on lock surface, hammer and trigger guard as seen in photos, along with hairline crack below lock and opposite lock that runs entire diameter of wood. Guns both retain most of their orig Deringer signature striped brown finish with only minor reductions and minor blemishes. Blued steel trigger guards and ramrod thimbles both retain most of their orig blue though gun 1) has about 10% loss of finish. German silver mounts have crisp engraving and are well fit and to their burl walnut stocks which retain virtually all of their orig varnish. Mechanically, guns are excellent with crisp shiny rifled bores with characteristic Deringer 7 lands and grooves. Casing is sound and solid with orig wood & brass combination tool, 3-compartment charging flask which retains much of its orig varnish and bright blue spring and scissor bullet mold also in excellent condition. Brown velvet interior is light stained, minor soiling and has professionally repaired central partition. Case retains orig functioning key. Exterior of case has typical storage dings, dents and bruises, expected after 150 years, still retaining most of its orig varnished finish. 50412-50 JS (40,000-60,000)