NICKEL SILVER 120 BORE PEPPERBOX REVOLVER

A GOOD NICKEL SILVER FRAMED BAR ACTION 120 BORE PEPPERBOX REVOLVER CIRCA 1840-1850

 A Scarce 120 Bore Nickel Silver Framed 6 Shot Pepperbox Revolver of Bar Action Boxlock type with 3" barrels, good quality scroll engraved frame with similarly engraved iron trigger guard and nicely figured Walnut grips. Unsigned but with Birmingham proof marks, this is a good quality Pepperbox with strong traces of original finish to trigger guard and hammer and with strong original colour to barrels. Excellent mechanism and condition. Overall length 8.25". 

  SOLD 

A GOOD QUALITY 18TH CENTURY COLONIAL STYLE FLINTLOCK ENGLISH LONG FOWLER MARKED WOOLER

A Flintlock Long Fowler in Colonial Style with Carved Stock and 43.75" hexagonal .50" smooth bore barrel marked WOOLER on top flat. Dovetailed brass front sight with notched rear sight. All brass furniture consisting of trigger guard, butt plate and three ramrod pipes. Original iron ramrod. Stock with evidence of some old wormholes under barrel, crisp chequering and nicely carved apron behind tang, matching carved area around ramrod aperture. Overall length 60".  This fowler is very well balanced for a long gun.

  SOLD

A FINE FRENCH YEAR 13 (1804-05) MODEL CAVALRY PISTOL MANUFACTURED IN THE YEAR OF WATERLOO, 1815

A French  An 13 (Year 13 or 1804/05) Cavalry Pistol, Manufacture Impériale de Maubeuge, 1815, near Museum Quality.  201mm barrel of musket .69 bore with five flats around breech which is marked EF on one side and 1815 on the other. Clear  "M'le an 13"  marking to tang. All original regulation brass furniture with clear inspector marks. Original steel button headed ramrod. Stock with inspectors marks and manufacturers roundel, original varnish with minimal handling marks. The best we have ever seen in totally original condition, obviously used from slight wear to frizzen face and pan but in superb order. Mild staining to iron parts, wood is excellent.

Maubeuge-made cavalry pistols are rare and this gun not only comes from this desirable manufactory but it also bears the historic date of 1815, indicating it was made after Napoleon returned from exile in March 1815 but before his defeat at Waterloo and abdication in June, after which the markings changed from “Impériale” to “Royale”. This pistol is in superb condition with all of the highly desirable Imperial markings in crisp condition: "M're  Imp'le  Maubeuge'"  the “Manufacture Impériale” on the lockplate and the “EF” (Empire Francaise) stamps on the barrel breech forward of the touch hole and the left side of the stock within a stamped acceptance roundel with the year date of 1815. This pistol was made for the Waterloo campaign and was probably used there. Extremely hard to find in such great condition, especially from Maubeuge.

The Year XIII is the successor to the Year IX pistol, although the Year IX was still in use throughout the First Empire (1804-1815). The Year XIII pistol shares many characteristics of the Year IX. The most obvious difference is in the manner of attaching the fore end band which is a different shape and has only one ring rather than the two of the Year IX resulting in the shortening of the wooden stock below the barrel. The other major difference is the fixing of the barrel band - on the Year IX it was held in place by a band spring and on the more robust Year XIII it was held in place by a screwed tang extending rearwards secured in place by the forward lockplate retaining screw. See "French Military Weapons 1717-1938" by Major James F Hicks, page 88.

SOLD

7TH-9TH CENTURY AVAR STRAIGHT EDGED SABRE/SWORD

The sabre is 35.5" overall with a 29.5" straight single edged blade. The final 6" point of the blade is double edged. The crossguard appears to be made of cast bronze with short straight conical quillons. The Tang is slightly curved ending in a hollow cast bronze pommel which is typical of known Avar weapons from the period. Avar weapons with a single straight cutting edge are sometimes known as proto-sabres as the majority of this type are believed to slightly pre date the earliest curved sabres that they inspired.

This sabre is part of a cache of weapons which were found approximately 20 years ago in the Caucasus region, part of what was historically Avar/Magyar territory. The finest example from the cache was sold to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York by a famous London based dealer (Arms and Armor Notable Acquisitions 1991-2002 The Metropolitan Museum of Art Item 40). The most famous sword of this type is the Sword of Charlemagne (Weltliche Schatzkammer, Vienna) which is believed to be of Avar origin and likely dates to the 8th century. During Charlemagne's eastern campaigns his forces are known to have taken examples of Avar weapons back to Western Europe where they were then used as diplomatic gifts. An example of such gift giving can be found in the Frankish Royal Annals which show that Charlemagne once presented an Avar sword to King Offa of the Anglo-Saxons.

The Sabre is in uncleaned excavated condition.The blade has an even unrestored patina with only minor chips to the cutting edge. The pommel and crossguard are complete but the grip has not survived.

SOLD

A NAMED VICTORIAN OFFICERS MILITARY CAMPAIGN WRITING SLOPE WITH PIG STICKING TROPHY AMONGST CONTENTS

A late Victorian Officers Brass Bound Military Campaign Writing Slope, circa 1885. Good quality solid mahogany folding writing slope with brass corner straps. Rectangular escutcheon to top of slope with initials and name: C C Pearson. Original baize lined base. Brass plated lifting handles to each side with a side drawer accessed by opening slope and removing drawer retaining pin. Original ink bottles, original leather skiver, original lock with key and brass/plated furniture. Side drawer contains original items of owner - a black and white photograph in his uniform with medal, a tie with a length of matching ribbon (I would have said medal ribbon but probably related to regimental colours rather than a medal), an ivory letter opener, slope key, typed brief service record and finally a pair of mounted wild boar tusks. Size of slope is 15 inches long, 9 inches wide, 6 inches depth. Campaign slope all original and good condition except for leather skiver cracked and split at folds. Ivory letter opener tip damaged.

The ivory letter opener (pre CITES) is engraved CCP on one side and on the other side is handwritten in ink with details of his unit and various postings/detachments from 1876 including Stubbington, Sandhurst, Bangalore, Dalhousie, Mamund , Bara Valley, Kyber and Ferozepur amongst others. The wild boar tusks are an engraved silver mounted pig sticking trophy with inscription : Speared 19th May /95, Ch. C B P "Rufus". Pig sticking was highly popular with British Officers in India at the time of Pearsons postings. Pearson was the pig sticker who accounted for the pig as the award of its tusks as his initials on the mount proves. Whether the nickname of Rufus was him or the pig is not known! 

Charles Coffin Pearson was born on 28 March 1867, son of Lieutenant General Sir Charles Knight Pearson KCMG CB, one of the more successful British Generals in the Zulu Wars who was also present at the Siege of Sevastopol and was mentioned in despatches no less than 11 times. After graduating at Sandhurst, Charles Coffin Pearson was appointed 2nd Lieutenant in the 52nd Oxfordshire Light Infantry on 14 September 1887 with subsequent promotions of Lieutenant 2 June 1891, Captain 5 June 1897, Major 10 July 1907. 

He served in the 1897-98 Mohmand Campaign and the Tirah Expeditionary Force for which he was awarded the campaign medal and 2 clasps. The 52nd were in the 2nd Brigade along with the 9th Gurkha Rifles in the Mamund Valley supporting a small force of cavalry including a certain 2nd Lt Winston Churchill who wrote his first non fiction book on the campaign in 1898, The Story of the Malakand Field Force: An Episode of Frontier War. Pearson retired on 14 September 1907 but re-joined for the Great War in 1914 as Adjutant for the Ox and Bucks Light Infantry. 

So many of these military slopes have disappeared out of the direct family of the owner over the years. However, we should be grateful for these surviving items coming onto the market with a story to tell. 

SOLD

A RARE EARLY SERIAL NUMBER 80 BORE KERR'S PATENT 5 SHOT SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER

A very early 80 Bore Kerr's Patent 5 shot Single Action Revolver circa 1859 marked to the 1st Sussex Artilllery Volunteers.  5.5 in. (14cm) blued octagonal sighted barrel with five groove rifling. Blued grooved top strap, border engraved blued frame marked 'KERR'S PATENT NO 46' with London proof marks. Strong traces of original blueing and case hardening to barrel/frame with crisp edges. Matching serial numbered cylinder with London proof marks - some traces of original finish and some staining where pistol has been left in a case. Border engraved back action lock signed 'LONDON ARMOURY. BERMONDSEY'. Plain trigger-guard with border engraved butt cap engraved - 1st SUSSEX ARTILLLERY VOLUNTEERS No 4. Rammer with locking catch. Grips are original with some handling marks but virtually no shrinkage. One of the earliest known Kerr's revolvers and a very early number for the Sussex Artillery Volunteers batch. Pistol would grade up with careful cleaning as strong traces of bluing remain under the patina. A very original and early Kerr’s revolver.

Additional notes:

This revolver incorporates British Patent no. 2896 of 17th December 1858 and 242 of 26th January 1859. The butt shape appears to be unique to the first 100 or so revolvers. 

This is one of the earliest Kerr's revolvers. It was previously thought that the earliest cased example was in the Val Forgett collection sold through Rock Island Auctions in 2007. However, the oldest genuinely cased Kerrs with matching armorial on case and 80 bore revolver is serial number 42 which was made for Admiral Sir Alexander Milne who was Commander in Chief North America and West Indies Station during the American Civil War.

It is clear from various articles and opinions on the early Kerrs revolvers and the Sussex Artillery that there are as many opinions as there are variations in Kerrs revolvers. For example, one article states that the 100 issued to the Sussex Artillery were in .44 calibre (54 bore) with serial numbers in the range 87-187. That is clearly wrong but the article was probably based upon a Sussex Artillery marked 54 bore Kerrs with a serial number in that range. Another online reference from a highly knowledgeable and respected collector recalls a Sussex Artillery marked Kerrs serial number 123 but in .36 calibre (100 bore). It is now clear that the 100 issued to the Sussex Artillery were not consecutively numbered and were made in 54, 80 and 100 bore variants. See previously sold examples in our database for other Sussex Artillery Volunteers examples,  

During the 1860's, Shoreham Fort was garrisoned by the 1st Sussex Volunteer Artillery of Eastern Division, Royal Artillery, whose headquarters were in Brighton. They were formed just before 1860 as Rifle Volunteers from the local rifle clubs and were joined by artillery volunteers following the invasion scare of Napoleon III. The Sussex Volunteer Artillery was considered to be the cream of Volunteer Artillery units and in 1865 at the Shoeburyness National Artillery Meeting it won the Queen’s Prize and the Lord Palmeston Prize for accurate shooting.     

 SOLD 

A REGULATION FLINTLOCK BROWN BESS MUSKET PATTERN 1793 (INDIA PATTERN TYPE 2)

A  Pattern 1793 Flintlock Brown Bess Musket (India Pattern Type 2), Circa 1810. 39" barrel , .75" bore, stamped with Kings Proof  marks and inspectors/makers initials of TL towards the breech. Number 609 stamped on left side of barrel. Smooth grey patina to barrel. Regulation working lock, all original, engraved TOWER with Crown over GR and Ordnance Inspectors mark of crown over arrow..India Pattern type 2, post 1809 throat hole flint cock. All correct regulation brass furniture with three ramrod pipes and brass fore end cap. Original iron ramrod. Sling swivels fitted. Regulation full stock cleaned and oiled with spliced repaired fore end - probably in period.  Overall length 55".  Cleaned but very pleasing overall patina. 

SOLD 

A PERCUSSION BAYONET PISTOL BY THEOPHILUS  RICHARDS WITH 9" BARREL

A circa 1800 flintlock converted in period to drum and nipple percussion, this is a large percussion bayonet pistol by Theophilus Richards, the father of William Westley Richards. Octagonal 9" smoothbore barrel of 16 bore with sprung bayonet operated by lever on top of engraved tang (strong action), top flat engraved THEOP RICHARDS with a small S after Theop to denote the shortening of Theophilus. Stepped bevelled border engraved lockplate signed in script. Iron furniture with engraved triggerguard, ramrod pipes and engraved pineapple finial. Walnut half stock, horn fore end, silver barrel bolt escutcheons, vacant silver escutcheon above Egg style chequering, horn tipped ramrod. 15" overall length. In unrestored condition since period conversion, minor handling marks but no stock splits. Ramrod a possible replacement.

Theophilus Richards 1747-1828 was a high quality Gunmaker and Silversmith based in Birmingham. See this informative article;-

https://birminghamcathedral.wordpress.com/2016/12/12/theophilus-richards-1747-1828/

 SOLD

A SMALL PAIR OF 180-BORE PERCUSSION BRASS-BODIED MUFF-PISTOLS, UNSIGNED

  An attractive good quality small pair of 180 bore percussion brass bodied muff/pocket pistols. Unsigned. Circa 1830-1840 with round blued iron turn-off 1.5" barrels, engraved bands at the muzzles, rounded borderline and scroll engraved frames with central dolphin-headed hammers and automatic blued concealed triggers, finely chequered walnut bag-shaped butts in excellent condition with virtually no shrinkage and excellent wood to metal fit. Silver lionshead mask butt-caps and initialled oval escutcheons to wrists. Working actions, one trigger at fault needing adjustment. Overall length 5.1".   

      SOLD 

NAPOLEONIC FRENCH CHARLEVILLE REGULATION MUSKET MODEL M1777, MANUFACTURE DE ST. ETIENNE, DATED 1785

French Charleville Regulation Musket Model M1777 dated 1785. 60" overall,  .69 calibre, 44.75" barrel. Barrel stamped "85" at breech denoting year of manufacture, 1785. Inspectors and proof markings. The patinated rounded lockplate is engraved "St. Etienne” [Manufactory of St. Etienne] with  a crisp inspector’s "J" stamp under crown and number "84" above it denoting the lock date, not unusual for it to predate the barrel by a year. Ring neck cock, brass pan, frizzen all original. Strong working action. Good internal mechanism. All original (including screws) regulation furniture including sling swivel and ramrod with traces of inspectors stamps. Pitting to all metal parts. Complete with M1777 bayonet. Original stock with spliced repair to 17" of fore end and 3.5" spliced repair under the buttplate. Some old worm to stock resulting from storage.

Despite 7 million M1777 muskets being made between 1777-1839,  few older examples survive in original flintlock form with the date 1785 which pre dates the French revolution in 1789 and the Napoleonic Wars from 1793-1815. The production rate at St Etienne was 12,000 a year when this musket was made. This musket has seen a lot of service and its date gives it a good chance of being at many major battles. Large numbers of the M1777 were either destroyed, damaged or converted. Many examples that come to auction have replacement locks and other parts.

An interesting musket for the Napoleonic collector and cheaper than a Brown Bess!

SOLD 

CAVALRY/LANCERS PATTERN PERCUSSION PISTOL BY EDWARD BOND MARKED TO THE NATIVE STATE OF BARODA,  CIRCA 1862

A very good quality Cavalry/Lancers pattern percussion pistol made by Edward P Bond circa 1862. Closest in shape and style to the 1858 Pattern Cavalry pistol, this private contract pistol was made by Edward P Bond for use by an officer of Sepoy/Native Cavalry in Baroda - probably the Baroda Residency due to the quality of the item. 15 ½” overall, 9 1/8” round, .65 carbine smoothbore barrel with London proofs and further markings of HOOPER SQUARE, LONDON on top of barrel and inspectors marks linking the barrel and tang as well as N.S. over BDA within an oval. Additionally, there is a triangular mark overlaying the part of the address. New Series type flat border line engraved lock plate, signed EDW.D  P.  BOND. Excellent quality lock internals. Rounded border engraved hammer. Walnut fullstock with captive swivel rammer, regulation type mounts, comprising butt cap with lanyard ring, brass trigger guard, flat fore end cap,  ramrod pipe and single sidenail with brass cup. Engraved brass plate to side with initials which could be the officers initials or the unit initials. Further research required.

This is a rare item for the collector of EIC and similar pistols as I have only seen the NS and BDA markings before on 1853 pattern cavalry swords. Condition is excellent, consistent patina and traces of original finish, strong markings and very good stock with minimal handling marks. 

Edward Philip Bond is noted in Blackmore, Gunmakers of London 1350-1850, as Contractor to Ordnance 1856 and East India Company 1844-1853. He is recorded at Hooper Square 1862-1870.

Baroda was an Indian princely state, ruled by the Gaekwad dynasty from its formation in 1721. Following the Second Anglo-Maratha War of 1803–1805, the Gaekwads of Baroda made peace with the British, entering into a subsidiary alliance which acknowledged British suzerainty and control of the state's external affairs in return for retaining internal autonomy. A wealthy state due to the lucrative cotton trade as well as rice, wheat and sugar, it was one of the largest and richest of the hundreds of princely states existing alongside British India.

SOLD

A FINE PRESENTATION CASED 120 BORE BEAUMONT ADAMS REVOLVER RETAILED BY JAMES PURDEY OF LONDON

A Presentation Cased 120-Bore Beaumont-Adams Patent Five-Shot Double-Action Percussion Revolver. Retailed By James Purdey, 314 1/2 Oxford Street, London. Adams Patent No. 35,817R. Blued octagonal 4.25" sighted barrel with strong London Proof marks and manufacturers mark L.A.C. of the London Armoury Company, action is sound and accurate to all cylinder chambers. The rifled bore is very good. Blued border engraved top-strap with retailer's name and address "JA.S, PURDEY, No. 314 1/2 OXFORD ST.T, LONDON". Blued cylinder with London Proof marks and matching serial number, blued border engraved frame, trigger-guard and butt-cap with hinged compartment, blued rammer, safety-strap, arbor-pin and catch, fine chequered figured rounded butt with silver escutcheon. The whole revolver finely scroll and border line engraved retaining most of its original finish. In its presentation lined and fitted oak case of the highest quality with accessories, a SYKES pistol flask with split ring for suspension, pewter oil bottle, cap box, captive worm ramrod and turnscrew. Original 120 bore Adams mould,  the Sykes flask is correct size but may have replaced a Dixon flask, the cap box also a good fitting replacement.

The superb flamed Oak case is lined in dark red baize with brass external corners and inset front hooks. The full Coat of Arms of the original owner, Joseph Jones of Abberley, Co.Worcs  is superbly engraved to a central rectangular brass plate inset on the case lid. Research (Burke's General Armory description) reveals the original owner as Joseph JONES (Abberley, co Worcester). The Coat of Arms in Heraldic Terms - Quarterly, 1st and 4th, az.on a cross raguly ar. betw. in the 1st and 4th quarters a pheon, and in the 2nd and 3rd across moline or, five mullets. gu., for JONES: 2nd and 3rd, sa. three bars ar., for LEES. Crest - A stag lodged and reguard.ppr. semee of acorns vert, in the mouth a fern branch also ppr. Motto - Deo Adjuvante.

The Motto on the Coat of Arms, DEO ADJUVANTE means "With God Assisting", a motto shared only with Viscount Exmouth which refers to an action of 1st Viscount in 1814 in saving troops and a crew from the transport ‘Dutton’ off Plymouth.

Joseph Jones was a very wealthy Cotton Magnate who previously lived at Spring Bank, Severn Stoke, Worcs. He made his fortune in Oldham where, along with the LEES family (who are included on the coat of arms due to marriage) he was largely responsible for making Oldham the world's manufacturing centre for cotton spinning in the second half of the 19th century. In 1867 he moved to Abberley Hall, an imposing grand house set in 90 acres which is now a school. The building dates from the mid 19th-century, it is Italianate style and was designed by Dawkes, for Joseph Jones. Joseph Jones's cousin John inherited the estate and built an amazing Gothic clock tower in 1883 between Abberley and the Woodbury Hills which can still be seen today from six counties. The same coat of arms appears above the door to the tower.  Interestingly for us down in Cornwall, the  Abberley Clock Tower, also known as Jones's Folly, was designed and built by James Piers St Aubyn who is probably best known for his restoration of St Michael’s Mount in Cornwall which perhaps compensated in a small degree for missing out, by a single vote, on the commission to build Truro Cathedral.

As for date this pistol is circa 1860.  There is no database for dates of manufacture but the serial number of 35,817R is found on the right side of the frame, under the cylinder, preceded by “Adams Patent” and followed by the suffix R, denoting manufactured by the LAC, (London Armoury Company).  35,817R is not the British Patent Number (which was 374/1855) but the serial number. (If the suffix is the letter P then they were manufactured by Pryse & Redman of Birmingham, the suffix letter C is Calisher & Terry manufacture).

Above the serial number there is another number 20,068 with B as a prefix. This additional serial number was used for control of the payment of royalties to Frederic Beaumont for his patented improvement in 1855 to the basic Adams pistol. As the Beaumont patent expired on 20th February 1862, it is concluded that all revolvers showing these twin serial numbers were manufactured before that date. B20,068 is among the higher numbers recorded  so a date of manufacture of circa 1860 is correct. Also see p.84 of “Adams Revolvers” by Chamberlain and Taylerson where they state that “an examination of the serial numbers upon Beaumont Adams revolvers suggest that L.A.Co manufacture began at around B3600/19000R which (in default of definitive information) we date to 1857; by the close of 1860, in our judgement, the serial-range was probably around B20,000/36,000R”.  This pistol proves their research.

SOLD

A GOOD FLINTLOCK BOXLOCK OVER AND UNDER TAP ACTION PISTOL BY BASS OF LONDON

Circa 1790, this is a good quality 40 bore flintlock boxlock action over and under pistol by John BASS of London.   8 1/2" overall with 2  7/ keyed turn off barrels. Rectangular pan with working tap action lever.  Border engraved frame with London Proofs, engraved stand of arms to each side with BASS on left side and LONDON on right side. Floral engraving to triggerguard. Sliding safety. Sprung border engraved frizzen. Border engraved ring neck cock and top jaw. Good working action. Figured slab sided butt with vacant silver shield escutcheon. Some minor handling marks to stock. Overall good condition.

John BASS, born Grantham, Lincs 1761. In partnership with uncle, John Fox Twigg, as Twigg & Bass, 1788-90: on his own Carrington St, Piccadilly, 1790: 19 Green Park Row, Piccadilly, 1793-94. Died 1794. Widow Sarah closed business 1795. (Gunmakers of London, 1350-1850, Howard Blackmore.)

 SOLD

A 1796 HEAVY DRAGOON PATTERN FLINTLOCK PISTOL  

A rare variation of a 1796 Heavy Cavalry Dragoon pattern flintlock pistol. 9" round musket bore barrel with Kings proof marks, double line border engraved flat lockplate engraved Tower at the tail, crown GR, border engraved throat hole flintcock. Lock retained by a two side nails. Regulation brass furniture comprising trigger guard, flat scroll side plate and single ramrod pipe. Iron ramrod. Walnut full stock. 15 ½" overall. An unusual variation as the lock is of the 1786 Light Dragoon type with flat lockplate and throat hole cock as opposed to the normal rounded lockplate and swan neck cock. Cleaned overall, stock is in very good condition with old repaired crack in usual place through rear sidenail. Lock and action in excellent condition, barrel has some pitting.

SOLD

A FINE QUALITY 54 BORE DOUBLE BARRELLED PERCUSSION TRAVELLING PISTOL BY JAMES WEBB OF SALISBURY, WILTSHIRE

A 54-Bore Double Barrelled Percussion Travelling Pistol by James Webb, Salisbury, circa 1850. With 3.8" smoothbore hexagonal barrels in fine condition with notched rear sight and silver bead front sight, traces of original finish. Barrels signed JAMES WEBB SALISBURY to central rib, scroll engraving towards breech and engraved muzzles, Birmingham proofs under each barrel, captive ramrod, under barrel rib which has most of its original case hardened finish. Case hardened breech, boxlock action with dolphin engraved hammers each with sliding safety, actions finely engraved with strong original case hardened finish to tang. Double triggers with scroll engraved trigger guard showing traces of original blued finish. Silver escutcheon to shoulder of virtually unblemished chequered Walnut butt - superb quality. Overall length 9".  A tactile and fine quality pistol by an excellent provincial maker.  

James Webb (1813-1872), Gunmaker of 38 Catherine Street, Salisbury, Wiltshire where he was in business 1843-1872. 

SOLD

A VERY GOOD P-1858 VOLUNTEER LANCERS PISTOL BY T RICHARDS 

This is a very good quality Volunteer Lancers pistol closest in style and specification to the 1858 Pattern Cavalry Percussion pistol. Smoothbore 9" barrel .700” bore in excellent condition (proof marks are probably under the barrel which has not been removed). Plain tang. Flat border engraved lock of regulation specifications signed T. RICHARDS, LONDON. Regulation specifications brass mounts comprising butt plate, plain trigger guard, stirrup ram rod and sidenail cups. Lanyard ring to butt plate. Full stocked in walnut. 15.25" overall. Very good condition.

SOLD

A GOOD QUALITY CASED PAIR OF SMALL FLINTLOCK POCKET PISTOLS BY RIVIERE OF LONDON MADE CIRCA 1809-1817

A good quality pair of 60 bore flintlock boxlock pocket pistols by Riviere, London, circa 1809-17.  Smaller than average pocket/muff pistols at 5" overall, 1 3/8" turn off barrels (not seized) with engraved band at breech end, the engraved breeches signed RIVIERE on left side and LONDON on right side with London proofs (worn on one pistol which is often the case where that one was used more); the frames engraved with stand of arms and trophies with roped lower edge and wreath around trigger, the flintcocks engraved with a fish (one with an old repair); roller frizzen springs with border lined frizzen, sliding top safeties which lock the frizzens, hidden triggers with good working actions and springs. Plain walnut slab butts. One pistol slightly more worn with repaired crack to butt.  A sign of good quality for these small pistols (apart from quality of engraving) is the lack of a visible hinge for the drop down trigger - the hinge is not visible because it is hidden behind the sideplate. 

 In their original fitted green baize lined mahogany case 8.5" x 5.75", the lid with folding brass carrying handle, maker’s rare early trade label of "Riviere, Gun Maker, No 121 Oxford Street", label altered in ink, probably in period sometime shortly after 1817 "Removed to No 315", accessories including a Sykes copper powder flask, a 60 bore steel pincer mould, a few lead bullets and the original case key (some damage to original case lining). 

  RIVIERE, Gunmaker:  Isaac Riviere b.1781, Gunmaker, 121 Oxford Street 1809 -1817: 315 Oxford Street, London  1818 - 1851.  Riviere joined the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) in 1821, became a Sgt in 1829, Lieutenant 1829-1833 and Captain of the Jager Corps 1833-48. He organised a rifle range at Wormwood scrubs and leased it to the HAC and the Royal Victoria Rifles of which he was Corps Treasurer. He lived at Rifle Cottage, Wood Lane, Hammersmith (Howard Blackmore, ‘Gunmakers of London 1350-1850’)

 SOLD

A RARE 18TH CENTURY SCOTTISH BRASS MOUNTED IRON BLUNDERBUSS BY FRANCIS INNES OF EDINBURGH

A rare iron barrel brass mounted blunderbuss circa 1775 by Francis Innes of Edinburgh. Octagonal 16 1/2in. iron barrel with flared round trumpet muzzle banded at the intersection, some pitting to top flat. Makers address to top flat of barrel - indistinct due to pitting but clearly name or address followed by EDINBURGH with proof marks and barrel makers stamp to breech. Flat lockplate with stepped pointed tail signed within banner 'F. INNES', plain frizzen, swan neck cock, some pitting but all original. Walnut handrail full-stock with exposed muzzle, some old well executed spliced/inset repairs to stock. Brass furniture including rococo escutcheon to wrist, pierced sideplate shaped with flowers (complete with no losses), acorn finial, flower engraved trigger guard, ramrod pipe and interesting buttplate with bird engraving (wings displayed) above top screw, brass tipped ebony ramrod. Bird engraving to buttplate may be decorative or with further research may reveal owner if unique. 

Innes, Francis [1772-1789] (Scottish Arms Makers by Whitelaw)

Shop in Edinburgh, Scotland. Had Royal Warrant. Made all metal flintlock pistols with scroll butt and cased flintlock duelling pistols, also made single and double barrel flintlock fowling pieces and Ferguson flintlock breech-loading rifles. Had Royal Government contract for flintlock holster pistols and flintlock muskets.(A. Merwyn Carey (1954) English, Irish and Scottish Firearms Makers, Acro Publishing Company, New York. )

 SOLD

AN 1844 ENFIELD PERCUSSION CAVALRY PISTOL 

This pistol is unusual and interesting as it is the 1853 EIC Pattern Percussion Cavalry Pistol but fitted with an ENFIELD marked lock dated 1844. This may have been an experimental fitting as the lock is marked with the Crown over V.R. to the rear of the lock similar to the subsequent Enfield pistol pattern 1856 lock as opposed to the 1844 Enfield lock fitted to the 1844 Cavalry Carbine which had the Crown over VR marking under the bolster, thus probably  eliminating a retrofitted Enfield lock to this particular pistol. Apart from the lock, this is a typical EIC 1853 Pattern .65 pistol with 9” barrel stamped with London proofs. Brass mounted full walnut stock, lanyard ring to butt and swivel rammer hinged to muzzle. Sidecups for lock screws as opposed to the sideplate of earlier models.

As the Pattern 1853 was an upgrade of the earlier Pattern 1840 with the New Series lock, the fitting of an 1844 Enfield lock with these markings is unusual to say the least. An interesting pistol worthy of further research, condition is uncleaned and original.

SOLD