GUN SPRING 2017
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/11/2017
VERY RARE CASED PAIR A.J. MILLSPAUGH, WASHINGTON, LOUISIANA GOLD AND SILVER MOUNTED DERINGER PISTOLS.HENRY /DERINGERMILLSPAUGHNSN44ESAAccording to Doug Eberhart, author of the most important texts on Deringer pistols, there are only 2 pairs of Millspaugh cased Deringer's extant in the world. This pair has gold bands and thumb plates and silver trigger guard and escutcheons. Pistols are of the larger variety for Henry Deringer measuring 8" overall and 4" bbls including breeches. Millspaugh is among the rarest authorized Henry Deringer dealers and very few examples of his guns are known. It is of note that the other known pair which are among the finest pairs of American cased duelers were sold at auction well in excess of $200,000.00. This is your chance to purchase an equally rare pair of guns though lesser condition. PROVENANCE: Ex-Doug Eberhart Collection; Ex-C.D. Terry Collection. CONDITION: Guns are very good overall, though metal exhibits pitting especially on bbls. Makers mark on lock, breech and bbl are all discernible though with some pitting distorting letters in agents mark as can be seen in photos of barrel markings. Silver and gold escutcheons and bands are complete and well seated, German silver nose caps and butt caps are also well seated with patina. Engraving on gold, steel, silver and German silver mounts all crisp and discernible. Stocks are both sound and solid retaining about 30% bright original varnish, there is a hairline crack on each gun about 1/4" long between lock escutcheon and breech. The accompanying original Henry Deringer leather covered hinged wood case has heavily faded once burgundy velvet now turned mostly to golden tan. Accessories in case fit slots fairly well and good to very good overall. Finials attached to each wood compartment are ivory. 50412-44 JS (15,000-25,000)