$3,173
Cased Engraved and Inlaid Rosewood Presentation Handgun with Accessories, Gibbs, Tiffany & Co. , Sturbridge, Massachusetts, early 19th century, underhammer percussion pistol, six-inch cast steel barrel with engraved flower and vine motifs and impressed marks: "202", "E HUTCHINGS & CO AGENTS BALTO.," "GIBBS TIFFANY & CO. STURBRIDGE MASS." with eagle motif; rosewood grips with geometric mother-of-pearl inlay, silver back strap engraved "Dr. C.A. Cheever"; mahogany hinged case with engraved silver plaque on the top "From Eusebius Hutchings of Baltimore, Md. to Charles A. Cheever Portsmouth, New Hampshire;" the interior contour lined with black velvet fitted with accessories including a copper powderflask, a brass bullet mold with mahogany handles marked "202," a cleaning rod, a ramrod, and five small leather ammunition pouches, (loss on underhammer), lg. 9 7/8, case 2 1/4 x 12 5/8 x 5 5/8 in. Provenance: Family descent from Dr. Charles Augustus Cheever (1793-1852). Dr. Cheever's father was Abijah Cheever, also a physician. According to family history they both graduated from Harvard University and Harvard Medical School. Charles was a surgeon trained by John Warren (1778-1856), the founder of Massachusetts General Hospital, and performed the first vaccinations in the West Indies. The pistol was a gift from a grateful patient.
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2004-06-06
