Manufactured in Baltimore around the time of the Civil War by a German immigrant, Anton Escherich, who was born and trained in Bavaria and started working in Baltimore before the Civil War. The engraving and relief sculpting of the various vignettes on this pistol reflect his earlier works. Escherich was one of the few gunsmiths in America who could sculpt steel. The barrels feature damascus pattern and engraved bands at the muzzle and breech. The solid barrel rib has "A:ESCHERICH" inlaid in silver and the marking is flanked by engraved wedges of floral scrollwork. The scrollwork is also exhibited on the rib at the breech while the engraved barrel band extends across the rib at the muzzle. A near full cover, floral scroll, high relief engraving is featured on the remaining metal components which includes the hammers, breech plug, back strap, trigger guard and receiver. This engraving incorporates floral blossoms, floral scrollwork and animals. The top of the receiver has a high relief engraving of a dog and the trigger guard has a high relief engraving of a bird. A gold inlaid diamond surrounding an engraved floral blossom is positioned between the breech plugs and a gold inlaid number "2" inside an engraved oval appears below the dog engraving. Fitted with a nicely figured one piece grip with flared butt and engraved metal buttcap.

Very good. The pistol has a very attractive smooth gray patina with much of the damascus pattern remaining. The engraving on the remaining metal surfaces is crisp. The grip is fine with a minor gash (left side) and a number of minor scratches and pressure dents. Mechanically fine.