Rare Galt & Brothers Washington DC Retailer Marked Henry Deringer Pistol

.40 caliber. 2.5" octagon to round barrel. NSN. Blued finish, German silver mountings, walnut stock with checkered bird's head butt. Single action, single shot percussion muzzleloading pocket pistol with German silver bands at breech German silver shield shaped thumb escutcheon, engraved pineapple finial triggerguard, fixed notch rear sight and dovetailed German silver blade front sight. Standard Henry Deringer lock and breech markings, including his starburst-P proof. Barrel additionally marked in three lines: MADE FOR/MW GALT & BROTHER/WASHINGTON D.C.

Galt & Brother was a Washington, DC based luxury items and "fancy goods" shop that was established in 1802, making it one of the oldest American jewelry companies. The firm sold a wide variety of high end and luxury items from jewelry, silver and watches to firearms. Interestingly they were repairing President Lincoln's pocket watch on the day the Civil War erupted and the jeweler engraved a secret message inside the watch commemorating the firing on Fort Sumter and thanking God for the US government. It is somewhat ironic that this same firm also sold pistols made by Henry Deringer, as it was one of Deringer's pistols that was used to assassinate the president some four years later. A rare and desirable retailer mark for a Deringer pistol. A brass tag commemorating the date of Lincoln's shooting, April 14, 1865 is attached to the triggerguard. {ANTIQUE}

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

Good. Bore moderately oxidized with deep rifling. Metal with traces of blue and moderate amounts of oxidation with an attractive plum patina. Mechanically functional action with no apparent half cock. Wedge is a crude replacement. Percussion nipple is a modern replacement. Markings are mostly clear and legible. Wood with some wear and scattered bumps, 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.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

Arms, Armor & Militaria

Rare Galt & Brothers Washington DC Retailer Marked Henry Deringer Pistol

Lot Description

Condition Report

Preview

Auction Contact

Shipping | Pickup