ITEM # 130
.54 caliber, 10 1/4" octagon barrels. These pistols are an absolute joy to study. This set was commissioned by William "Pete" Harvey in 1978 and completed in 1981. All parts of the set were designed and handcrafted by Daniel Cullity from raw material stock. They are mounted in solid 18 karat gold with all metal inlay work being of 24 karat gold and platinum. They are styled after a pair of pistols by Simeon North which were built in 1820. The quality, detail, fit and finish rival that of the greatest makers from previous centuries. Pistols feature waterproof pans with roller frizzens, sliding rear safeties and single set adjustable triggers. The locks as well as the tops of each barrel bear a gold filled maker's touchmark which reads "CULLITY / MAKER / E. SANDWICH MA.". The barrel breeches and tangs feature lovely relief floral scroll engraving as well as platinum and engraved gold bands and lovely flame motifs. The engraved breech area is bordered in fancy gold and platinum bands along with fifty tiny gold inlaid stars. The touchole is platinum lined while the water proof pan is gold lined. The muzzles of the barrels feature a band of engraving along with single gold and platinum bands. The locks feature light engraving as well as gold and platinum inlaid border work and are color case hardened. The stocks are of highly figured American walnut and feature heavy 18 karat gold furniture including beautifully engraved sideplate and engraved gold inlaid floral design on sides of grip. The butts are bound in gold with decorative geometric pattern around circumference and with large plain gold escutcheon plate at center. The pistols come cased in a burl rosewood French fitted case with a full complement of accessories, all accessories are of solid silver with the exception of the turnscrew blade, bullet mold and powder flask spring. The entire set is in virtually new condition and have been featured and illustrated in R.L. Wilson's "Steel Canvas" and Volume II of "Colt Engraving". Additionally they were the subject of a feature article by Phil Spangenberger in the June 1984 issue of Guns and Ammo magazine and grace the cover of the January/February 1995 issue of Man at Arms magazine. Included with the pistols are copies of those periodicals as well as a full description of the guns written by their maker where he describes them as one of his finest and most challenging works. Mr. Cullity's description of the guns includes a listing of materials used and states that the precious metals cost at the time of production was approximately $16,000. While these pistols rank with the works of the finest 18th and 19th century European Masters, they certainly represent the pinnacle of the 20th century gunmakers art. A magnificent set of pistols perfectly suited for the astute collector who wishes to own only the finest of arms. (2021-1,2) {ANTIQUE} (30,000/50,000) SOLD FOR $34500.00 |
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