Sold for $4,200

Sold prices are inclusive of Buyer’s Premium

Lot Description

Rare WH Calhoun Nashville Agent Marked Deringer

.46 caliber. 3" wedge retained octagon to round barrel with full-length top flat. SN: NSN. Browned finish, German silver mountings, checkered walnut bird's head grips stock. Single shot muzzleloading percussion derringer with German silver furniture, fixed notch rear sight and brass post front sight. Back action percussion lock with light foliate engraving is marked in two lines DERINGER/PHIALDELA. Breech with the same two line marking and P proof on the left angled flat. Top flat of barrel marked MAND FOR/W.H. CALHOUN/AGENT/NASHVILLE, TENN. German silver triggerguard with pineapple finial typical of Deringer's work circa 1850. Mountings lightly engraved, including the barrel wedge escutcheons, triggergaurd, shield shaped wrist escutcheon and decorative plate beneath the bolster. An old wooden ramrod is included that appear to be period and original to the gun. Calhoun marked Deringers are quite rare and this is a really lovely example of a scarce Nashville agent marked gun in very nice condition.

William H Calhoun (1815-1865) was a Nashville "Silversmith" according to the 1850 Census, who has been born in Pennsylvania circa 1815 and owned real estate valued at $3,400. By 1860 the Census listed his as a "Jeweler Merchant" who owned real estate valued at $84,300 and had a personal estate valued at $40,000. The 1860 Nashville Business Directory listed him as a Jeweler located at the corner of College Street and Public Square. Like most jewelers, he also dealt in "fancy goods" which included all forms of notions and personal items and usually firearms as well. During the 1850s and 1860s that usually included selling small pocket pistols like those of Henry Deringer and his competitors for self defense carry by the affluent who could afford to purchase items at a shop such as Calhoun's. Calhoun died in 1865 and is buried at the Mount Olivet Cemetery in Nashville.

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

Condition Report

Fine. Bore very good with strong rifling, moderate oxidation and some light pitting near the muzzle. Barrel with most of the browned finished showing some scattered surface oxidation and some light dings. Markings clear, although the agent mark is a little weak. Lock with a smoky gray patina and crisp engraving. Lock mechanically functional with no apparent half cock position. Wood with moderate wear, showing only traces of varnish and an old light cleaning with some softening to the checking at the grip. Otherwise with scattered bumps, dings and mars.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Hindman staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Hindman website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Hindman.

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