Lot #1424
Lot #1426

Lot 1425: Belgium Pinfire Revolver 8 mm PF

Cased Exhibition Quality Gold Inlaid E.J. Malherbe & Cie. Liege Twenty Shot Double Action Pinfire Revolver with Relief Carved Ebony Grips

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: April 30, 2016

Lot 1425: Belgium Pinfire Revolver 8 mm PF

Cased Exhibition Quality Gold Inlaid E.J. Malherbe & Cie. Liege Twenty Shot Double Action Pinfire Revolver with Relief Carved Ebony Grips

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: April 30, 2016

Estimated Price: $20,000 - $30,000

Cased Exhibition Quality Gold Inlaid E.J. Malherbe & Cie. Liege Twenty Shot Double Action Pinfire Revolver with Relief Carved Ebony Grips

Manufacturer: Belgium
Model: Pinfire
Type: Revolver
Gauge: 8 mm PF
Barrel: 4 7/8 inch round
Finish: silver/matte/gold
Grip: ebony
Stock:
Item Views: 6858
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 218
Class: Antique
Description:

This E.J. Malherbe & Cie. of Liege, Belgium, twenty shot pinfire revolver features an exhibition grade gold inlaid motif. The over/under barrels, frame recoil shields, loading gate and grip straps are completely covered in gold inlaid cross hatching accented with raised gold studs. Between the cross hatching are floral blossoms left in the bright on a matte black background. Truly a spectacular pattern done by a master craftsman that excites admiration. The top of the barrel has "E.J. MALHERBE & CIE. LIEGE" inlaid in gold on a matte black background and inside a gold inlaid banner. The hammer engraved in the likeness as a mythical bird such as a phoenix has deep relief engraved feathers, checkering on the spur and gold wash on the outer edges. The over/under barrels have wide gold bands at the muzzle and breech with the front sight having gold wash. The outer chambers of the cylinder-10 in all have a deep relief engraved floral pattern with gold filling in the negative spaces. The cylinder has two rows of chambers with each row having 10 chambers making for 20 chambers in all. Pulling the double action trigger alternates between the outer and inner chambers. An ejector rod that acts for both sets of cylinder chambers is mounted on the right side of the frame. The folding trigger has a gold wash. The ebony grips exhibit near full coverage of a deep relief floral carved pattern which incorporates a grotesque head at the bottom. Raised silver studs and silver horns on the grotesque head bring an added dimension to the high grade artistic grips. A lanyard ring stud with ring is mounted on the butt. The grip screw and escutcheons have a gold wash. The case is lined in royal purple leather-like book binding style material of the period. The inside of the case has the marker's label in gold: "E.J. MALHERBE & CIE/A/LIEGE." The exterior of the case is covered in a handsome, highly figured walnut veneer with contrasting rosewood strips veneered along the edges. The top of the case has a large silver shield with monogram. The following accessories are included: case key, ebony container, ebony oiler and ebony ramrod with brass tip. The ebony accessories feature a high relief floral carved motif with silver studs. The carving matches the floral pattern on the grips.

Rating Definition:

Excellent overall. The revolver retains 97% of the original gold overall. The cylinder has a highly attractive smooth dark brown finish. The grips are excellent with a crisp carving. Mechanically excellent. The case is very fine with a broken lid hinge support bar, some high spot wear to the lining and minor handling/storage marks overall. The oiler has a minor age crack, otherwise the accessories are very fine.



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