October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/23/2019
This fine pair of pistols is signed Joseph Cooper, New York, on the top flap of the octagonal barrel. Joseph Cooper is listed as working on Broadway in New York from 1831 to 1851. The 3-1/2" barrels are finely engraved with scrolls at the breech, two golden inlaid lines, rear sight and silver bead front sight. Breech is finely engraved with scrolls and banding. Well formed back action locks beautifully engraved with scrolls, signed J. Cooper. Dolphin-form hammers engraved en suite. Trigger guards finely engraved en suite with pineapple finials. Steel buttcaps engraved en suite with butt trap for percussion caps. Finely figured walnut three-quarter stocks of Deringer form, with flap. Well executed checkering at wrist. CONDITION: Both are excellent with barrels retaining most of an original Damascus brown finish. Locks are crisp, with no damage to cocks. Trigger guards retain much of their original bright peacock blue, with some flaking at tangs. Butt caps retain considerable original blue, with one slightly more than the other. Both pistols retain their original steel-tipped ramrods. Stocks retain nearly all their original piano finish, with only minor marks. One barrel wedge is slightly chipped. Actions are crisp, with half and full cock. Bores are good. These most attractive Rigby quality American pistols are cased in a later French fitted box, with accessories comprising powder flask, bullet mold, turn screw, nipple wrench, and cleaning accessories. A lovely pair of percussion belt pistols. MZ
Accessories
Case with accessories
Barrel Length
(BOTH) 3 - 1/2"
Caliber/Bore
(BOTH) .50 Smoothbore
Manufacturer
(BOTH) Joseph Cooper