LOT OF TWO INTERESTING UNDER HAMMER PERCUSSION FIREARMS: ANTON SPELLERBERG (PHILa PA) PATENTED BREECH LOADING PERCUSSION RIFLE AND A “CIRCASSIAN” PISTOL.

LOT OF TWO INTERESTING UNDER HAMMER PERCUSSION FIREARMS: ANTON SPELLERBERG (PHILa PA) PATENTED BREECH LOADING PERCUSSION RIFLE AND A “CIRCASSIAN” PISTOL. SN NSN. SPELLERBERG RIFLE. (ca. 1861) Cal..405 groove diameter. (Listed in both Sellers and Gardner in Philadelphia, PA 1861 – 1876). This unusual breech loading rifle with 22″ full octagon bbl, tips down for loading, and has long riveted on quarter rib, the rear portion of which extends over breech area, and fastens by toggle at top of rear tang. The 2″ breech is “muzzle loaded”, or possibly used with a paper cartridge, and fired by under slung percussion hammer, with internal spring, which protrudes through broad steel strap trigger guard. Right portion of breech is stamped “A. SPELLERBERG”, and left “PATENT JULY 30, 1861”. Swan-neck American walnut stock has brass crescent buttplate with shaped return at toe, and lozenge shaped retainers to keep stock from splitting, toward front behind action. UNUSUAL UNDER HAMMER PISTOL WITH TURNED CANNON TYPE STEEL BBL (Cal..350 Rifled bore) has dovetailed and screwed on thimbles holding rosewood brass tipped ramrod. Walnut stock has tip of elephant tusk forming grip cap, and a number of inlays, mostly silver, one a broad arrow and whale’s tail shape, engraved “H. I. S.” on left, maltese cross engraved with an “R”, along with a double rounded inlay on right. Back of grip has a small “mother of pearl” inlay. Top of grip behind tang has a silver shield surmounted by a crown engraved “Dr. E. Cox” “Delhi” “’51”. Old hang tag is attached to pistol inscribed “# 31 Circassian Under Hammer 1851”. PROVENANCE: Patent specifications and copy of letter from US Patent Office, and MONTHLY BUGLE, May 2011, (PA Antique Gun Collectors Assn) with article on this rifle indicating that it is the same “piece that is pictured in Hershal Logan’s Under hammer book, as illustrations no. 310 and 311.” Also an email outlining what is known about Dr. Cox. CONDITION: RIFLE: Fine. Bbl retains a considerable amount of what appears to be its orig brown, turning to silver due to light cleaning. Stock retains most of its orig French polish finish with a number of minor marks, scrapes, and rubs commensurate with overall condition of firearm. A small area is chipped out of the nose of the hammer. Bore is fine, with strong rifling throughout. PISTOL: Fine. Bbl retains most of what appears to be its orig blue. Stock retains most of its orig varnish. Bore is rough. Action works. Nipple is battered. 4-45180 MGM257 (4,000-6,000)

Auction: Firearms - Spring 2012

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	2320	$0.00	LOT OF TWO INTERESTING UNDER HAMMER PERCUSSION FIREARMS: ANTON SPELLERBERG (PHILa PA) PATENTED BREECH LOADING PERCUSSION RIFLE AND A “CIRCASSIAN” PISTOL. SN NSN. SPELLERBERG RIFLE. (ca. 1861) Cal..405 groove diameter. (Listed in both Sellers and Gardner in Philadelphia, PA 1861 – 1876). This unusual breech loading rifle with 22″ full octagon bbl, tips down for loading, and has long riveted on quarter rib, the rear portion of which extends over breech area, and fastens by toggle at top of rear tang. The 2″ breech is “muzzle loaded”, or possibly used with a paper cartridge, and fired by under slung percussion hammer, with internal spring, which protrudes through broad steel strap trigger guard. Right portion of breech is stamped “A. SPELLERBERG”, and left “PATENT JULY 30, 1861”. Swan-neck American walnut stock has brass crescent buttplate with shaped return at toe, and lozenge shaped retainers to keep stock from splitting, toward front behind action. UNUSUAL UNDER HAMMER PISTOL WITH TURNED CANNON TYPE STEEL BBL (Cal..350 Rifled bore) has dovetailed and screwed on thimbles holding rosewood brass tipped ramrod. Walnut stock has tip of elephant tusk forming grip cap, and a number of inlays, mostly silver, one a broad arrow and whale’s tail shape, engraved “H. I. S.” on left, maltese cross engraved with an “R”, along with a double rounded inlay on right. Back of grip has a small “mother of pearl” inlay. Top of grip behind tang has a silver shield surmounted by a crown engraved “Dr. E. Cox” “Delhi” “’51”. Old hang tag is attached to pistol inscribed “# 31 Circassian Under Hammer 1851”. PROVENANCE: Patent specifications and copy of letter from US Patent Office, and MONTHLY BUGLE, May 2011, (PA Antique Gun Collectors Assn) with article on this rifle indicating that it is the same “piece that is pictured in Hershal Logan’s Under hammer book, as illustrations no. 310 and 311.” Also an email outlining what is known about Dr. Cox. CONDITION: RIFLE: Fine. Bbl retains a considerable amount of what appears to be its orig brown, turning to silver due to light cleaning. Stock retains most of its orig French polish finish with a number of minor marks, scrapes, and rubs commensurate with overall condition of firearm. A small area is chipped out of the nose of the hammer. Bore is fine, with strong rifling throughout. PISTOL: Fine. Bbl retains most of what appears to be its orig blue. Stock retains most of its orig varnish. Bore is rough. Action works. Nipple is battered. 4-45180 MGM257 (4,000-6,000) Auction: Firearms - Spring 2012 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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