Jeffrey S. Evans & Assoc., Inc.
Live Auction

June 28, 2025: Premier Americana: Day Three

Sat, Jun 28, 2025 09:00AM EDT
  2025-06-28 09:00:00 2025-06-28 09:00:00 America/New_York Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates : June 28, 2025: Premier Americana: Day Three https://live.jeffreysevans.com/auctions/jeffrey-evans/june-28-2025-premier-americana-day-three-19283
Jeffrey S. Evans & Assoc., Inc. info@jeffreysevans.com
  • Antique/Curio Firearms & Accessories
Lot 2067

IMPORTANT SIGNED JOHN PETER SITES SR. (1784-1853), FINCASTLE, VALLEY OF VIRGINIA PERCUSSION PISTOL

Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Starting Bid
$1,500

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $10
$200 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$3,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$30,000 $2,500
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000

IMPORTANT SIGNED JOHN PETER SITES SR. (1784-1853), FINCASTLE, VALLEY OF VIRGINIA PERCUSSION PISTOL, approximately .45 cal., octagonal rifled barrel engraved "J. Sites. F. Va" in script to top flat, additional scroll engraving to the breech, tang, hammer, and lockplate, double set triggers, figured walnut full stock with brass mounts, "ARM" engraved to backplate, inlaid silver thumbrest engraved "W. E. P. / to / J. D. S." Original steel ramrod. Retains an outstanding original surface. Class: Antique. Together with a photo of Brander in his UCV uniform and a copy of Carmichael, The Purcell, Crenshaw, and Letcher Artillery showing a portrait of Brander in his Confederate uniform. Three pieces total. Circa 1830. 8 3/4" barrel, 14 1/2" LOA. 
Catalogue Note: This is one of only a small number of recorded signed John Sites firearms made before he moved to Missouri around 1835. The rarity of this pistol cannot be overstated. It represents the only known signed Sites pistol and is one of only a few signed examples from the Valley of Virginia. This pistol descended in the Brander family of Richmond and is thought to have belonged to Major Thomas Alexander Brander (1839-1900) of Richmond. Brander joined the 20th Regiment Virginia Infantry in 1861 and served in nearly every campaign of the Army of Northern Virginia. It is not known where or when he acquired the gun, or if it saw service with the Confederacy. Following the war, he became one of the best-known leaders of veteran organizations in the United States, serving as Major General and Commander of the Virginia division of the United Confederate Veterans. During his tenure, he attended every reunion of Confederate veterans and was instrumental in saving Confederate memorabilia for the Museum of the Confederacy, as well as raising funds for the Jefferson Davis Memorial in Richmond. 

Condition

In very good as-found condition, with even coloration to the metals. Stock with original surface, old cracks under the triggers and forward of both plates. Mechanically operable.
Note: We cannot guarantee the firing condition of any firearm in the auction. We strongly encourage successful bidders to have any gun purchased professionally examined before attempting to fire.

Provenance

Descended in the Brander family of Richmond, VA.
Property of a descendant.

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Effective March 1, 2024 In-house shipping is no longer available with Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates (JSEA). Shipping of all lots is through one of two local UPS stores with whom we have successfully worked with in the past. Buyers will receive a shipping form to fill out and return to the UPS store. As a courtesy to our clientele, once the invoice is paid, JSEA will arrange transport and make delivery to each respective store at no extra charge. Once the items ship, buyers will receive a paid shipping invoice and tracking number.
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