Items 73 to 125 represent yet another grouping of marine antiquities

that were on display at the Kennebunkport Maritime Museum since

the early 1980's. Most all the pieces have been in my personal collec-

tion for decades, some for well over 30 years. In continuing my effort to

thin down the collection I am making available another nice selection

of these fine, rare and, in many cases, unique maritime artifacts.

*73. U.S. NAVY ELGIN CUTLASS PISTOL WITH ORIGINAL SCABBARD. The only combination gun (knife

and pistol) ever issued to U.S. troops and the first percussion handgun officially issued by the United States.

150 of these were made under Navy contract(circa 1837) specifi-

cally to outfit the Wilkes South Sea Exploring Expedition. A

journal entry from a member of the expedition states that the

knife was used on a hostile native when the gun failed to fire. 54

caliber with a 5" octagonal barrel that has on the underside an

11" Bowie style knife blade. The blade, made by N.P. Ames of

Springfield, is forged integral with both the trigger and knuckle

guards. Overall length 17". Top

of barrel stamped "ELGINs

PATENT" and "PM/CBA/1837". Left side of barrel, frame and blade all

stamped with serial number "144". Left side of frame also stamped "C B.

ALLEN/SPRINGFIELD/MASS". Also has the very rare original scabbard with leather maker's circular stamp

with name "GRENNELL/MAKER/SPRINGFIELD". German silver mounts with large throat

piece carefully contoured to shape of gun and fitted on top with sleeve for original ramrod.

Condition of everything excellent. The hammer has a very small piece of the cup missing

where it likely hit the nipple when fired. Blade with expected areas of pitting but fine. This

exact gun illustrated in several publications including: "Nautical World", Feb 1998; "The

Bowie Knife" by Norm Flayderman; Cover of 5th edition "Flayderman's Guide To Antique

American Firearms"; "U.S. Martial Single Shot Pistols" by Hartzler & Whisker; "Man At

Arms", volume 30, #2. An imposing and colorful looking weapon that seems to catch the

attention of anyone who sees one. A rare opportunity to own one of the best known examples.

sold

*74. SIGNED AND DATED SCRIMSHAW TOOTH..."U.S.S. RELIEF", ORIGINAL STORE SHIP FOR

WILKES EXPEDITION. Nicely shaped, blunt tipped, tooth with one side depicting port view of Naval vessel

flying American flag. Beneath is caption "U.S.S. RELIEF". Reverse inscribed "GERARD S. BYERS/PACIFIC

4TH JULY/1841". 6"l. x 2 1/2"w. Condition fine having just normal, sound age

cracks. Excellent age color throughout. Comes with custom made display

stand. This exact tooth discussed by Stuart

Frank in his "Dictionary of Scrimshaw

Artists". Also illustrated in following;

Flayderman's "Scrimshaw and Scrimshanders"

pg. 7; "Nautical World" , Feb 1998; "Man at

Arms", volume 30, #2. Prior to being in the Flayderman Collection it was part of the Meylert Armstrong col-

lection that was purchased by Norm in the 1960's. With Wilkes Expedition affiliation makes a great compan-

ion piece to Elgin Cutlass Pistol previously described. A desirable piece of American scrimshaw.

sold

*75. FOLDING POCKET KNIFE WITH HORSE-HEAD POMMEL. 4 1/2"long blade stamped "OF THE BEST

QUALITY" and with makers name "A. Davy/Springlane/Sheffield". Length opened 9 1/4". Wood slab handles

and German silver fittings. Horse head also decorated with fouled anchor and spoked wheel. Condition good

with full blade that has grey metal color. Dates

prior to 1856 when Abraham Davy added "&

Sons" to firms name. Exact knife illustrated in

several publications: "Small Arms of the Sea

Services" by Rankin pg. 56; "Steel Canvas" by Wilson; "The Bowie Knife" by Flayderman; "Nautical World",

Feb 1998; "Man at Arms, volume 30, #2. A handsome folder that would have been appealing to a sailor with

its anchor motifs.

1475.00