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THBEngraved Percussion Derringer By African-American Gunsmith J.M.Jones
About Seller
6270 Este Ave.
Cincinnati , OH 45232
United States
With offices in Cincinnati, Cleveland and Denver, Cowan’s holds over 40 auctions each year, with annual sales exceeding $16M. We reach buyers around the globe, and take pride in our reputation for integrity, customer service and great results. A full-service house, Cowan’s Auctions specializes in Am...Read more
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About Auction
LiveMay 2, 2018 - May 4, 2018
Cowan's Auctions dawnie@cowans.com
View Full Catalog (312)
- Lot Description
.38 caliber, 3" wedge retained, tapered octagonal barrel with gold bands at breech, no S/N. 6.5" in overall length. Browned barrel, case hardened breech, lock and hammer, German silver mounts, platinum blow out in bolster, checkered walnut stock. Backs action lock engraved with delicate, tight foliate scrolls, breech and triggerguard engraved en suite. Top of barrel marked J.M. JONES. Gold shield-shaped wrist escutcheon, gold front sight blade. Although the quality of the fit, finish and engraving suggest the work of a top London gun maker of the mid-19th century, the gun was in fact made in North America.
James Monroe Jones was one of the very few African-American gunsmiths working in 19th America. Born as a slave in North Carolina, Jones' father eventually purchased freedom for himself and his family and moved them to the free state of Ohio. Jones eventually graduated from Oberlin University in Ohio, and worked as a gunmaker in London, OH and later in Chatam, Ontario (Canada). He was renowned as the only African-American gunmaker in Canada during the period and even produced a pair of extraordinary gilt derringer pistols for the Prince of Wales (later King Edward the VII). This is a really stunning small sized derringer type pistol in wonderful condition, a real gem, produced by one of finest gunsmiths of the era, who had started his life as a slave.
Very fine. Retains most of the striped brown finish, all markings and engraving remain crisp. Lock with traces of case color, hammer with more. Some minor scattered surface oxidation is present on the barrel. Mechanically functional, good bore with strong rifling and some scattered areas of light to moderate pitting. Stock with light handling marks, retaining much of the varnish.Condition
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Eliminate the Hassle of Third-Party Shippers: Let Cowan's Ship Directly To You!
If you'd like a shipping estimate before the auction, contact Cowan's in-house shipping department at shipping@cowans.com or 513.871.1670 x219.
At the request of the buyer, Cowan's will authorize the shipment of purchased items. Shipments usually occur within two weeks after payment has been received. Shipment is generally made via UPS Ground service. Unless buyer gives special instructions, the shipping method shall be at the sole discretion of Cowan's Auctions, Inc.. Cowan's is in no way responsible for the acts or omissions of independent handlers, packers or shippers of purchased items or for any loss, damage or delay from the packing or shipping of any property.
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