ITEM # 254
(NSN), .44 caliber centerfire, 27" octagon barrel with a very good bore showing strong rifling and some very light, sparsely scattered pitting. The metal surfaces are an overall smooth pleasing plum-brown patina with some areas fading to silver on the high edges and contact points. Top barrel flat is marked "Slotter & Co. Phila." with the right barrel flat being marked "Wart. Gain Twist". The gun features a splinter style forend, retained by a wedge and German silver tenons with a straight grip sporting buttstock, having a checkered wrist, with a German silver crescent buttplate and toeplate, patchbox and nice pheasant inlay on the left side cheekpiece. There is also an oval monogram plate along the toeline. The gun features a simple German silver front blade, the rear sight seat is blank, and the tang shows a nice midrange vernier style sight. The single trigger is mounted in a long steel trigger plate, to which is affixed a semi-fancy German silver trigger guard with finger rests. The stocks are walnut and rate about very good, the forend showing a couple very old cracks, it's forend tip is missing, likely it was German silver as well. The buttstock shows an old repair to the right side of the tang, as well as an old cleaning which has left light scratches in the surface of the wood. This is a very famous Philadelphia maker who was renowned for their quality Deringer's and pocket pistols. The gun was consigned by a descendent of the man for whom the gun was built. Patrick Campbell stamped "P. Campbell" very neatly on the underside of the barrel ahead of the forend and on the toeplate of the stock. Evidently Mr. Campbell made his wealth by running boats along the Erie Canal ferrying freight and passengers. This unique action features a sliding breech which pivots upward as it unlocks, withdrawing the shell simultaneously. It features an external hammer which remains cocked when the breech is slid forward and closed. Upon firing the gun, as the hammer is re-cocked the breech is withdrawn to the rear. This is a very unique example, and very likely one-of-a-kind. A similar example has been noted in percussion, but not in a fixed cartridge arm. Really a very interesting and well made gun from this respected Philadelphia maker. (2079) {ANTIQUE} (2000/3000) SOLD FOR $2587.50 |
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