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SCARCE CASED VEST POCKET SIZE SYMS PEPPERBOX PISTOL.

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:400.00 USD Estimated At:800.00 - 1,200.00 USD
SCARCE CASED VEST POCKET SIZE SYMS PEPPERBOX PISTOL.
SN 83. Cal. 28. Usual configuration with 2-1/2" 5-shot bbl cluster that has full ribs and rnd action with bag-shaped grip & ring trigger. Grip frame is mounted with smooth 2-pc walnut grips. Bbl cluster has the manufacturer's name "J.G. SYMS" on one rib and the initials "R-C" along with the SN on the front face of the bbls. Accompanied by a multicolor cloth-lined mahogany case with contoured divider in the bottom for the pistol, a tiny 28 caliber size eagle & stars double-sided flask, a tiny brass single cavity ball mold, a wood-handled steel combination jag/ramrod with brass ferrule, a functioning key and a lacquered tin of Eley's caps. Bottom of the case has the hand-written inscription "31 Cal. Pepperbox 1820 / made by Hunter EMYES, New York / owned by Dr. F.M. Moss, Paris, Missouri / father of Mrs. J.K. Greer, Paris, KY" and across the bottom edge "Owner-D.A. Thomas / 155 E. Maine, Paris, KY". Inside the case on the rear edge of the lid and rear edge of the bottom are hand-written "Dr. F.M. Moss / Paris MO". Pepperboxes are not uncommon, however the tiny vest pocket sized are scarce and cased examples are rare. PROVENANCE: Dr. F.M. Moss, Paris, Missouri; D.A. Thomas, Paris, Kentucky. CONDITION: About good, all matching except grips which are unnumbered. Bbl cluster retains about 50% glossy orig blue with the balance turning plum on the larger bbl areas. Frame and grip frame are a silver brown patina. Mechanics are a little loose but functional. Grips are sound and retain about 75% orig varnish. Case has a crack in the lid and a couple of grain checks with a few light nicks & scratches and retains most of a restored finish. Interior, probably created from another function is lightly to moderately soiled with one end of the partition loose. 4-49386 JR415