September 29, 2021 The Bill Myers Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/29/2021
This is the only known pistol by this maker and is pictured on page 21 in "The Longrifles of Western" by Kaufmann and Rosenberger and page 67 of "Accouterments IV" by James R. Johnston. The only other gun known to be made by George Sutton is a fine silver-mounted rifle that was found in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. According to the book, George Sutton began his gunsmithing career in the late 18th century in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. By 1796, as evidenced by an ad put out by Sutton, he had moved to Third Street in Pittsburgh and advertises that he was a Lancaster gunsmith, now making rifles in Pittsburgh and also has a selection available made by John Graef. He was partnered with Andrew Dunseth until 1800. He made several real estate purchases in Pittsburgh in 1805. By 1809, Sutton had purchased more than 700 acres in Pitt Township on the east bank of the Allegheny River. This fine pistol dates to about 1810 and has a full octagon barrel with partially visible "G. Sutton" inscribed on the top flat, towards the breech. The imported lock is marked "KETLAND & Co." in the center and features a roller-frizzen. The figured walnut stock has flat panels on each side of the curved grip and is inlaid with five pieces of engraved silver including two on each side of forend with flowers engraved on each. The shield shaped silver wrist escutcheon is inscribed "LS" and the engraved lock screw escutcheons are also silver. The silver trigger guard is engraved on bow with a flower and terminates on the front with an acorn finial. Silver ramrod ferrules and pommel cap engraved borders and a flower around the screw. Silver nosecap is complete with its original ivory tipped wooden ramrod. CONDITION: Barrel has been polished. Lock retains a spotted grey/brown patina, cock is a possible replacement. Lock functions well and is in its original flintlock configuration. Silver mounts retain an unpolished pewter patina, pommel cap shows some minor denting and front trigger guard tang has an added silver pin for reinforcement. Stock shows some scattered marks from use and period oil stains. A very attractive and extremely rare silver-mounted American pistol signed by a Pittsburgh maker. PROVENANCE: Ex. Frank Sujansky Collection. DMG
Caliber/Bore
.50 Smoothbore