September 9, 10, & 11, 2025 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/9/2025
Measures 7 - 1/4" overall, barrel measures 2 - 7/8" to breech and 3 - 5/8" to end of breech. Teardrop barrel with flattened top rib fit with a gold blade front sight, breech with "DERINGER / PHILADEL'A" over top, offset "P", and 1/16" gold (?, perhaps German silver) bands. Barrel engraved with large format open scroll and florals. Lock and cock engraved en suite, but of a different hand and style. Gold mounts include forearm cap, ramrod ferrule, barrel key escutcheons, trigger guard, buttcap, lock accent, sideplate, and shield at wrist. Original ramrod with gold band at head, and a threaded rear with reverse worm attached. The shield is engraved "Acklen", and was subsequently hastily struck out. Given the timeframe, possibly a reference to the Acklen family of Tennessee, an extremely wealthy family, most known for their matriarch, Adelicia, who was both strong willed and savvy, forcing her husbands to sign prenuptial agreements that protected her pre-marriage property, which included extensive land holdings and stocks, a highly irregular practice at the time. CONDITION: Barrel with an old period rebrown and some fine oxidation towards muzzle. Lock with softened engraving and some mild oxidation. Lock is possibly a period replacement, as the engraving does not match the balance of the pistol, but the mortise does not appear recut. Trigger guard replaced, as color is lighter than balance of mounts, but the engraving matches well. Stocks with handling marks and impressions throughout, some cracks throughout, most noticeable about the lock, sidenail, and behind the key escutcheon on left side; while the cracks are extensive, they appear stable. Mechanically fine, set trigger a little light, bore with strong rifling and mild oxidation throughout. A well dressed example with an interesting potential Southern association.