1274

Rare Bitterlich & Co. Nashville, Tenn. Marked Percussion Derringer Pistol

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:2,500.00 USD Estimated At:5,000.00 - 7,500.00 USD
Rare Bitterlich & Co. Nashville, Tenn. Marked Percussion Derringer Pistol
Produced between 1862 and 1867 by Bitterlich & Legler, a partnership operating out of Nashville, Tennessee. As Bitterlich originally started alone, with Legler a later addition to the firm, the later stamping of the "& Co" markings is proper for earlier production arms. Brass blade and notch sights, with "FR. J. BITTERLICH & Co/ NASHVILLE, TENN" on the top flat. Light border engraving is present on the tang, breech, hammer and lock, with "FR. J. BITTERLICH & CO/ NASHVILLE, TENN" on the latter. Broken and repaired stock, with carved Schnabel tip, German silver floral escutcheon, trigger guard with engraved finial, repair plate on backstrap and border engraved buttplate.
BBL: 2 3/4 inch octagon
Stock:
Gauge: 42
Finish: blue/ casehardened
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: NSN


Very good. The barrel is showing a mixed brown patina, with spotting, dings and some rust around the bolster. Breech and lock show faint case colors, with traces of the original patterns and spotting. Stock is good as period repaired, with a German silver plate expertly applied to the entire rear grip. Some pressure dents and varnish loss is present on the remainder of grip. The German silver fittings show a mixed aged color. Mechanically good.