Sale 1293
| Cincinnati
| Cincinnati
Estimate$2,000 – $3,000
.40 caliber. 2.75" tapered wedge-retained pentagonal to round barrel with top flat. SN: NSN. Browned metal finish, with German silver mounting and walnut stock. Single shot muzzleloading precision pocket pistol with fixed notch rear sight and dovetailed German silver blade front sight. Back action percussion lock is engraved with simple foliate scrolls as is the hammer. The lock reads in two lines: DERINGER / PHILADELA. Top flat of breech with the same two-line marking and German silver bands. Top flat is additionally marked in three lines: N CURRY & BRO / SAN FRANCO CALA / AGENTS. Lightly engraved German silver furniture throughout with pineapple triggerguard finial and a shield shaped wrist escutcheon. Stock is not cut for a ramrod. The firm of N. Curry & Brother was the successor to the earlier C. Curry & Co. that operated in San Francisco from 1852 to 1863. N. Curry & Brother operated their retail location in San Francisco from 1863 to 1882 and were the primary agents in the region for not only Henry Deringer's products but also guns made by Colt, Remington and Sharps. A scarce and desirable retailer marking on a Deringer pistol from the age of western gamblers and on a gun that remains in very nice condition.
Very good to fine. Bore very good with crisp rifling and moderate oxidation, showing some minor pitting. Barrel with some strong traces of thinning brown and clear markings. Lock with a smoky gray patina. Mechanically functional action. Wood with some scattered minor dings and mars.
The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.
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Tim Carey
Associate Vice President, Head of Department, Arms, Armor and Militaria

Ms. Emma Fulmer
ATF Manager, Senior Coordinator, Arms, Armor & Militaria