RZM Fine Arts and Antiques Inc: Ask the Appraiser

Greetings Jon. I have an item I would like some information about, if at all possible. In the early 1960s my family purchased an old home in Ridgewood, New Jersey. This thing, which I’ve tried to photograph for you, was found in the rafters above the basement after we had moved in. It resembles some kind of weapon one might carry in his hand. My father, however, believed it was an antique child’s toy. We’ve been wondering for years. Have you ever seen something like this? Is it something that might be old and perhaps valuable? If so, what’s it worth? It’s one of the weirdest things I’ve ever seen. It measures a little more than 4 inches long. I was unable to find any marks on it other than a 4-digit number. I’m really curious about this. Thank you for your anticipated help. So, you know, I drive up to Munno’s Deli in Pearl River each week to pick up this paper to read your article.

Roy

Hillsdale, NJ

I try hard to remember some of the odder items that I’ve encountered over the years as an antique dealer and yes, I do remember this particular item that you are inquiring about. Please let me begin by explaining this item is definitely not a toy. You possess an antique .32 caliber “Knuckle-Duster” revolver, produced between 1870 to 1882 by the James Reid Arms Company, in Catskill, New York. This gun proves that old-time gunmakers had great imaginations and very questionable safety standards. This pistol is fitted with a five shot blued cylinder that is retained by a reverse threaded cylinder pin. It originally had a brass frame with very fine silver-plating, but in your example only the brass is showing at present. It still does retain the elegant decorative scroll and line engraving, as well as a finger loop which doubles as a brass knuckle. Our 19th century ancestors combined a pocket revolver with brass knuckles so they could shoot their problems away or punch them in the mouth if they ran out of bullets! You apparently missed the tiny engraving on the left side of the top strap, directly above the cylinder. There it is marked: “MY FRIEND PATD. DEC 26, 1865.” Obviously your “thing” is one of the most distinctive appearing American revolving cartridge handguns produced in the 19th century. As stated, the frame acts also as a set of knuckles for hand fighting. More of this model were made than any other Reid firearm; over 50 percent of the company’s total production. Also, widely known and often termed in the advertising of its era, a “Knuckler,” but not so marked on your gun. The fact you were able to supply the serial number I was able to date the manufacture of this gun to 1875. Of note, this gun was also available in .22 and .41 rimfire calibers. Though this gun is not a rare item per se, as this author has personally owned several examples over the years, it still remains highly collectible due to its odd appearance. The current value of your 1875 “Knuckle Duster” pistol, based on the condition, is $800 USD. Thank you for being a dedicated reader of this article and taking the time to travel each week to Pearl River.