October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/23/2019
Most early Confederate reference books refer to these brass framed pistols, made up with leftover model 1842 pistol parts as "Garrett's", however no one knows definitively where these were made or by whom. They are very well made. There is usually an example of this gun to be found in most Confederate handgun collections. This pistol has long been associated as Confederate assemblage, but at the same time there have been questions as to its origins and use. Albaugh, Benet and Simmons in their book, Confederate Handguns, devoted an entire chapter to these pistols. They hypothesized that these were made up by J&F Garrett & Co. of Greensboro, North Carolina, the name by which they have since been known. Garrett was the manufacturer of the Tarpley’s patent breechloading carbine. The association was primarily the result of an effort to identify the pistols referred to in DeBow’s Review, a Southern bimonthly publication, as being among the items being manufactured in 1862 by the Garrett. In all the years that have passed, no one seems to have identified the source of these pistols and in particular how an apparently substantial supply of Model 1842 pistol barrels, ramrods, hammers, and trigger guards came to be in need of assembly with a brass frame and new grips. Recent research has shown that there were quantities of surplus 1842 pistol parts. The failure rate at Aston & Johnson was quite high. We now know Palmetto Armory contract 1842 pistols are made from Aston-Johnson condemned 1842 parts, so there is no doubt a quantity of these parts was available. Regardless of who made these pistols, they are scarce, and this is a very presentable example. The serial number can be found under the grips on the right side of the frame, and on the inside lip of the sideplate. It is also written in pencil on the inside of each grip. CONDITION: The hammer is most likely a correct replacement. The rest of the gun retains a pleasing even patina overall with some light pitting and minor rust. Brass frame has some dings and handling marks. Wood grips have varnish wear with dings and handling marks. Good mechanical function. GR