PAIR OF HARVEY OF PLYMOUTH SILVER INLAID PISTOLS
PAIR OF SILVER FRAMED BOXLOCK PERCUSSION TRAVELLING PISTOLS WITH SILVER INLAID BUTTS BY HARVEY OF PLYMOUTH
A very good quality pair of Silver Mounted Boxlock Percussion Travelling or Ladies Muff pistols by Harvey of Plymouth, circa 1830. Octagonal 2.5" turn off blued barrels engraved at muzzle with line engraving at breech, top flat signed HARVEY - PLYMOUTH, crisp post 1813 Birmingham Proofs with crisp edges - minor scratches. Solid Nickel Silver frames with scroll engraved actions merging with barrel engraving, sliding safeties, drop down triggers, crisp proof viewers marks. Strong working actions. Rounded butts are profusely engraved in silver wire with various flowers and vacant silver diamond shape escutcheon. No losses to silver wire inlay, excellent wood to silver frame fit with no shrinkage. Dolphin head engraved hammers. Overall length 6.75".
Gunmaker : John Harvey, 10 Lockyer Terrace, Union Road, Plymouth, circa 1830-1835, thereafter Harvey & Son.
SOLD
DUMAREST FLINTLOCK RIFLED OFFICERS PISTOL
AN EXCELLENT QUALITY FLINTLOCK RIFLED OFFICERS PISTOL C.1790 BY ANTOINE DUMAREST IN THE STYLE OF BOUTET
An excellent French Flintlock Officers or Holster Pistol, signed 'Antoine Dumarest’, circa 1790. With .69 large bore (same as Charleville musket) 7.25" multi groove rifled Damascus hexagonal swamped barrel with bead foresight and notched rear sight. Barrel is cleaned bright but shows remains of original Damascus finish, superbly executed rifling is very strong and bright indicating little use. Flat lockplate is finely engraved and signed Antione Dumarest with all original lock - flintcock shoulder has been repaired at some stage, border engraved roller frizzen, strong action. All iron mounts consisting of finely engraved tang, buttplate, trigger guard, ramrod pipes, barrel wedge and sideplates. Light Walnut stock in excellent condition showing signs of old refinish with crisp original chequering, vacant silver escutcheon to rear of sideplate. Overall length 13.5".
This pistol has quality mounts which are nearly identical to many examples of early pistols by Nicolas Noel Boutet 1761-1833. Heer Der Neue Stockel only records one Antoine Dumarest in St. Etienne from 1728-1783. This is probably the father of the gunmaker of this pistol - they are often confused. More accurately, "Le Qui et Qui de l'arme en France de 1350 a 1970" by Jean-Jacques Buigne records the same older Antoine and another Antoine Dumarest born 20 January 1763, died 27 February 1828, who was a Damasquineur. Dumarest was a famous gunmaking family from St. Etienne and the similar period life span of Antoine and Nicolas Boutet has obviously led to very similar styles of pistols in that period. Like all gunmakers, Antoine Dumarest made pistols in varying quality according to price. This is the best I have seen from this maker.
SOLD
PAIR OF CUSTOMS FLINTLOCK PISTOLS
VERY RARE PAIR OF 25-BORE BRASS-MOUNTED FLINTLOCK PISTOLS FOR CUSTOMS AND EXCISE BY THOMAS BARNETT OF LONDON, EARLY 19TH CENTURY
With two-stage brass barrels 8.425” long engraved 'CUSTOMS' along the top flat of the octagonal breech, London proof marks, foliate engraved tangs, signed border engraved flat bevel edged locks each with engraved decoration and roller frizzens, figured full stocks with rounded butts, border engraved mounts comprising butt-caps, trigger-guards each with engraved pineapple finial and decorated with a Britannia shield and foliage, turned brass ramrod-pipes, and brass-tipped ramrods.
Thomas Barnett was contractor to the Ordnance from 1794.
Provenance:
Formerly kept at the Customs House, King's Lynn, Norfolk
https://www.britainexpress.com/counties/norfolk/properties/kings-lynn-custom-house.htm
Exhibited:
The Craft of the Gunmaker, 1640-1870, Guildhall Museum,. Rochester-upon-Medway, August 1991-January 1992 (cat. no. 13, illustrated)
Ex Dr Robert Rabett collection
See Frederick Wilkinson, Those Entrusted With Arms ..., 2002
SOLD
EX MUSEUM LARGE BORE TRANTER REVOLVING RIFLE
A FINE AND VERY RARE CASED 32 BORE TRANTER PATENT (THIRD MODEL) FIVE SHOT DOUBLE ACTION PERCUSSION REVOLVING RIFLE, SERIAL NO. 17,712T RETAILED BY ALEXANDER THOMSON & SON, 16 UNION PLACE, EDINBURGH CIRCA 1864
With octagonal browned (original) damascus twist barrel 23.5" long signed in full by the retailer and rifled with five grooves, the barrel and rifling in near mint original condition. Blued bead fore-sight and standing notch rear sight marked for 50 yards with two additional folding leaf sights marked for 100 and 150 yards, sling eye beneath barrel. Bright 5 shot cylinder numbered 17712T with decorative roped band at the front edge, border line engraving to rear of cylinder and clear Birmingham Proof marks. Case-hardened border engraved frame with nipple-shield fitted to the left side, blued (traces remaining) border engraved hammer-shroud, button style arbor pin/latch with safety stop/cylinder safety-stop, 3rd Model Tranter patent rammer marked W TRANTERS PATENT. Small initials on frame behind rammer of 'HH''. Frame marked on right side W.
TRANTERS. PATENT. No. 17712T. Very nicely figured Walnut stock in near mint condition with crisp chequering and sling eye fitted. Trigger-guard with scrolled front edge, typical Tranter double trigger mechanism, border engraved butt-plate. Retaining traces of original finish throughout with pleasing patina and with strong barrel browning. The rifle style trigger guard was designed so both hands could be kept behind cylinder - the hammer shroud to protect user from fragments of percussion cap - both these features designed to minimise the risk of injury from shards of lead or a multiple discharge.
In original fitted mahogany case lined in green baize (original with no apparent repairs) with many accessories including a spare matching numbered cylinder, brass double-cavity bullet mould marked 32, cleaning rod with captive worm, a DIXON & SON PATENT rifle flask (a few very minor dents), a Japanned tin of Tranter 'Lubricating Composition' and one of 'Lubricating Bullets', an original Eley Bag of percussion caps, a James Dixon & Son marked circular percussion capper, a James Dixon & Sons glass oil bottle in container, a pewter grease bottle, turnscrew, nipple wrench, bone box with spare nipples, some cast bullets, a leather sling and a key for the case lock. The lid of the case with Alexander Thomson & Son original trade label, the exterior with flush-fitting brass carrying-handle and centre escutcheon, inset front fastening hooks and circular brass key escutcheon. Case has a crack to the lid but structurally sound - see photographs. Overall length of case is 43.75".
Provenance: Ex Happy Valley Museum, Cooma (Snowy River), Australia - Neville Locker collection. These revolving rifles found favour in Australia where the English Tranter were preferred to the American Colt. It is estimated that around 70% of production of Colt and Adams revolving rifles were exported to Australia so it is not unreasonable to assume that the same percentage of Tranter revolving rifles were also exported there.
The retailer Alexander Thomson established his business in 1820 and in 1828 he was appointed 'Gunmaker to his Majesty' (King George IV). In 1833 he moved to 16 Union Place where he remained until 1869. From 1863-1869 the firm became Alexander Thomson & Son. (W Keith Neal - British Gunmakers, Their Trade Cards, Cases and Equipment 1760-1860)
NOTES: Tranter was a prolific, innovative, quality gunmaker and a substantial property owner, a founder/shareholder in BSA (Birmingham Small Arms Co. Ltd.- a Director in its early years) and a prominent member of the Birmingham small arms trade. Although there is no definitive list of years of manufacture for particular serial numbers, The Firearms Tecnology Museum website records a Tranter serial number 6820T with a receipt for 1863 and a Tranter 19882T presented in 1865 so it is not unreasonable to conclude that 17712T was 1864. The "T" suffix began circa 1854. This suffix is not normally found on 1st model revolvers. 3rd and 4th models started approx 7000T. It was normal practice to describe the diameter of the bore in bore size rather than calibre back in the day. The bore size being the number of round lead balls of that diameter needed to weigh one pound. The most common ones used by Tranter were 120 bore (.320"), 80 bore (.380"), 54 bore (.442"), 38 bore (.500") and 24 bore (.577"). This 32 bore example is a very rare variant with only a few examples known.
This is a snapshot from the Tranter Database at The Firearms Technology Museum, an excellent reference source showing this rare cased 3rd Model 5 shot large bore (32B) Revolving Rifle;
Serial No. 17712T Model 3rd model Type p rif
Calibre 32 B No of shots 5 Barrel length 23.5"
Retailed by Thomson., Alex. & Son. 16 Union Place. Edinburgh
Mould numbered 32 (bore size). engraved on cylinder & spare cylinder; Spring loaded knob arbor
retainer; Frame type "A"; Borderline engraved; Blued.
Provenance: This item also illustrated and described in the definitive book “The Firearms of William Tranter - Birmingham Gunsmith" by Ron Stewart,
two illustrations page 85, description page 86, colour illustrations and description pages 228, 229.
SOLD
PAIR OF JOHN CAMPBELL SCOTTISH LOBE BUTT PISTOLS
A FINE AND RARE PAIR OF SCOTTISH FLINTLOCK LOBE BUTT PISTOLS BY JOHN CAMPBELL (II) OF DOUNE CIRCA 1755-60
An elegant and highly desirable pair of Scottish Doune Flintlock pistols with four stage 25 bore barrels with fluted breech section, round centre sections with superbly executed and profusely engraved foliage, octagonal engraved muzzle section with flared muzzles. Original ramrods. Locks of typical form with a sear extending through the lock plate which holds the cock in the half cock position, deep scroll engraving to rear of lockplates, wavy line edges, swan neck cocks with matching engraving, sprung frizzen with shaped finial to frizzen spring. Typical John Campbell signature engraved in script on the lockplate. Stock profusely engraved with a combination of scrolls, parallel lines and waves, acanthus leaves and chevrons with three transverse bands of engraved silver inlay under the stock. Hollow ball trigger with engraved silver petals overlay. Belt hook with typical Celtic pierced double lyre shape which can also be seen on best basket hilted swords of the period.
Lobe butts with silver rondel centre, concentric engraved and silver inlaid circles around the centre with five triangular panels radiating outwards with five silver rondels between. Five triangular panels are an unusual feature as four is the number normally seen on lobe butt pistols. All engraving is crisp and original.
The maker of this rare pair of elegant silver inlaid Scottish pistols is one of the best, John Campbell (II) of Doune. The engraving is typical John Campbell (II) of the period and overlaps the period style of his scroll (Ramshorn) butt pistols. John Campbell (II) of Doune, 1736-1807, was the son of Alexander Campbell of Doune who in his time was also one of the most prestigious of all the Doune Gunmakers.
In an extensive survey of Scottish Pistols by Martin Kelvin recorded in the 'The Scottish Pistol', he noted a total of 760 pistols including 164 pairs of pistols of all styles with 62.4% being Ramshorn Butt and only 13.7% Lobe Butt.
This is an early pair of the Lobe Butt style of Scottish Pistols which date from the 1740's onwards, first evidence of their type being in sketches known as 'The Penicuik Drawings', which depict both Jacobite and Hanoverian troops wearing this type in their belts in the 1745 rebellion. This particular pair of pistols were purchased by the current owner from the USA around 20 years ago where they were said to have connections with a Scottish regiment that served in the American Revolution.
Overall length 12.25" with 7.25" barrels. Fine original overall condition in crisp working order.
SOLD
CASED DUELLING PISTOLS
A CASED PAIR OF 16 BORE FLINTLOCK DUELLING PISTOLS BY WILLIAM PARKER CIRCA 1795
A Good Cased Pair of 16 Bore Flintlock Duelling Pistols circa 1795 by W. Parker, Holborn, London. 9" rebrowned octagonal barrels signed LONDON on top flat, blade fore sight, platinum lined touch holes, starburst engraved tangs with notched rear sight. Flat bevelled border line engraved locks signed PARKER with starburst engraved to stepped tail. Sliding safety. Roller frizzens, semi rainproof pans, engraved swan neck cocks. Britannia shield and foliage engraved triggerguard, large pineapple finials. Engraved ramrod pipe. Figured full stocks with minor handling marks, crisp original chequering, vacant silver escutcheons, original ramrods, one with steel worm. Pistols 14.25" long in their original flame dark oak case with 1790-95 type flush fitting handle, inset brass hooks to front, with accessories including a few old 16 bore lead balls, patches, bevel edged copper and brass flask, pan brush, 16 bore bullet mould (pitted but good cavities). Original trade label to lid (some damage and staining).
William Parker in business at 233 High Holborn, London from 1793-1841. Parker was Gunmaker to the Duke of Kent, Prince Edward and King William IV as well as Contractor to the Ordnance, the East India Company, the Hudsons Bay Co and from 1803 supplied arms to the London Police.
SOLD
BOUTET OFFICERS FLINTLOCK PISTOL
A GOLD INLAID FLINTLOCK OFFICERS PISTOL OF NAPOLEON’S IMPERIAL GUARD BY NICOLAS NOEL BOUTET CIRCA 1810
An excellent and rare 24 bore flintlock Officers pistol by Boutet circa 1810. 7.25" blued octagonal barrel inlaid in gold MANUFACTURE A VERSAILLES with inlaid engraved gold arrow (2.15" long) to top flat together with gold arrowhead either side of front blade sight, twin gold lines to breech with dog tooth engraving and similar single gold line to muzzle. Gold filled barrel makers poincon stamps (some gold loss) to top three flats at breech of "LC" for barrel-maker Jean Nicolas Le Clerc (Neue Støckel 3741), gold oval touch hole, Inspectors mark of a Crown over M on left vertical flat towards breech. Blued border engraved tang with engraved screwhead and fixed rear sight.
Lockplate signed ‘Boutet Dir Artiste’ with foliate engraving to rear, engraved screwhead, frizzen engraved with wreaths, matching engraving to top jaw, engraved border line swan neck flintcock with typical Boutet comb. Superb strong action.
Polished iron furniture finished in the white (armoury bright) comprising triggerguard with urn engraved with draped laurel leaves, foliate and scrolls plus the engraved regimental crest of Napoleon’s Imperial Guard - the Imperial Eagle atop a lightning rod under an Imperial crown between a wreath. Octagonal border engraved buttcap with an ‘N’ surrounded by a wreath (N is not crowned so not a personal arm of Napoleon but possibly presented by him), scroll and foliate engraved rear ramrod pipe, plain front ramrod pipe and two typical engraved side mounts around engraved side screws.
French Walnut full stock with fine diamond chequering in excellent condition with crisp chequering. Horn tipped ramrod. 13.5" Overall length."
Nicolas Noël Boutet (1761-1833) is without question the premier French gun-maker of all time. Throughout the French Revolution and Napoleonic period Boutet was ‘the’ principal innovator and artist. Gunmaker to the Emperor Napoleon. His work is greatly undervalued when compared to other forms of art. Nicholas Noël Boutet was named Directeur-Artiste of the newly formed Versailles Arms Manufactory in 1792. The luxurious firearms started being produced soon after, around 1794, from his Versailles manufactory and were commissioned for presentation to Marshals of France as well as Royalty elsewhere in Europe and beyond. His presentation firearms and swords can be see in many of the most famous institutions worldwide today such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Wallace Collection, Royal Armouries as well as Royal gunrooms and Palaces.
SOLD
FLINTLOCK BOY'S SPORTING GUN BY BATE
A RARE 160 BORE FLINTLOCK BOY’S SPORTING GUN WITH SKELETON STOCK BY EDWARD BATE OF LONDON CIRCA 1775
A Rare Flintlock Sporting Gun by Bate, Circa 1775, probably made for a boy due to small size and small bore. When this sporting gun was made, it was not unusual for boys under fourteen to be given child-sized arms for sport or to prepare them for military service. These guns, usually made by top makers for aristocratic children, were often simply smaller versions of their full-size equivalents and this sporting gun measures 39.5" overall length which is roughly two thirds normal size. Aesthetically pleasing with a small bore barrel and excellent proportions, a conventional flintlock but built in the style of Bate’s renowned air guns.
This rare survivor has an excellent rebrowned 24" two-stage sighted damascus barrel of 160 bore, long octagonal breech section signed on top flat BATE LONDON in a foliate engraved inlaid silver banner panel with further inlaid silver foliate decoration on three top flats before round section of barrel which has a silver bead foresight. Two gold lines to breech with large oval gold touch hole. London proof marks and indistinct barrelsmith's mark. Finely engraved tang with foliage, a cornucopia of flowers, a starburst and an engraved screwhead. Border engraved bevel edged flat lock signed 'BATE' with sliding safety, rainproof pan with border engraved roller frizzen, Swan neck engraved flintcock. Finely figured Walnut stock has a skeleton butt with engraved pierced lattice steel buttplate (some pitting and bruising to the heel) and a raised carved rococo shell and scroll pattern at the apron/tang that is similar to those seen on other Bate guns. Chequered wrist with a circle in the centre of each diamond. Finely engraved steel mounts including trigger-guard decorated with a bird on the wing and part stand of arms with shield and foliage on the bow, trigger-plate with scallop shell finial, border engraved vacant silver escutcheon, fore-end ramrod pipe engraved with a starburst, rosette side nail cups, two steel barrel bolts and engraved escutcheons. Original rare baleen ramrod with iron worm.
Edward Bate (1743-1810) was a quality gunmaker active in Brownlow Street, Long Acre, London for the period 1763-1778, Contractor to the Ordnance 1779--83. He is noted for his fine airguns including some with similar distinctive skeleton stocks and other features in common with this gun. One such air gun by Bate with iron mounts was previously in the W. Keith Neal Collection - see below.
For similar skeleton stocked examples of Bate's Guns see our sold gallery page 2 for a fine silver mounted example and the following:
Christies London, Sale 8934 - FINE ANTIQUE FIREARMS FROM THE W. KEITH NEAL COLLECTION, 9 November 2000, Lot 23 - A Fine 44-Bore 'Flintlock' Sporting Air Gun by Edward Bate, London circa 1775 . (some damages and repairs including barrel bolt missing, top jaw and screw replaced - all iron mounts). Price realised: £8,225.
SOLD
FLINTLOCK POCKET PISTOL BY TATHAM
A CRISP GEORGIAN FLINTLOCK 54 BORE POCKET PISTOL BY TATHAM OF LONDON
Excellent Quality Flintlock Pistol by Tatham, London. With round turn-off 1.5" barrel decorated with a band of foliage at the muzzle and a geometric design at the breech, action signed ‘TATHAM LONDON’ underneath the pan to the left, stamped with Birmingham proofs, hidden trigger in ‘Screwless’ frame (no visible hinge pin for drop down trigger as hinge hidden behind side panel) beautifully engraved with martial trophies and foliage, fitted with engraved sliding safety catch that also locks the pan, cock decorated with serpents head, slab sided walnut grip with vacant rectangular escutcheon. Overall length 6”.
HENRY TATHAM born 1770 at Firth Street. Sword Cutler & Belt Maker in Ordinary to George III, 1798; Gunmaker to Prince of Wales, 1799. Gunmaker & Sword Cutler, 37 Charing Cross, 1800-33 (in partnership with Joseph Egg as Tatham & Egg at same address, 1801-14). Also at 60 Firth St., Soho, 1805-8. Supplied Ordnance with Malaysian ‘Cresses’ (Kris) 1801; presented rifles for Indian Chiefs, 1816. Died 1835. Succeeded by his son Henry. (Howard L. Blackmore (1986) Gunmakers Of London 1350-1850, George Shumway Publishing, York, Pennsylvania, USA)
SOLD
RARE SERGEANTS CARBINE FLINTLOCK
A RARE DETACHED FLINTLOCK FOR A SERGEANTS CARBINE INCLUDING SIDEPLATE
A Very Rare Original Lock and Sideplate/connecting screws/sidenails for a Regulation Issue Sergeants Flintlock Carbine. Lockplate marked TOWER and a Crown over GR with inspectors crown over arrow mark. Inside of lock with further inspectors mark of a Crown over 3. All original with excellent action, the lock has been varnished for display by a previous owner. Please note that the tumbler screw in the photo has now been tightened so is flush with lockplate behind flintcock - there is no longer a hole/void.
The Sergeants Carbine of 1807 was a lighter, shorter scaled down version of a Brown Bess used by NCO’s. They are prized by Brown Bess collectors due to their aesthetics as a smaller Brown Bess. For instance, the lockplate of the period Brown Bess was 6.9" long whereas this Sergeants Carbine lockplate is 6.2" long.
SOLD
SCOTTISH STEEL RAM’S HORN PISTOL
A SCOTTISH STEEL FLINTLOCK “RAM’S HORN” PISTOL BY JOHN CAMPBELL OF DOUNE CIRCA 1750-1775.
A Scottish Steel Flintlock Ram’s Horn/Scroll Butt Pistol by John Campbell of Doune circa 1750-1775.
Five stage 32 bore barrel has a flared section at the breach with a notched rear sight and a flared muzzle section with engraved octagonal sides. One of middle sections of the barrel is fluted with other sections engraved with foliate scrolls.
The scripted signed lock is typical of John Campbell. Strong action with the horizontal sear holding the cock in the cocked position. Flat bevel edged engraved Swan neck cock with original notched frizzen. Steel engraved button trigger. The scroll engraving on flintcock is matched by the engraving to the rear of the lockplate with wheat ear/chevron engraving to the bevel edge. Similar engraving to the sides of the butt which have vacant oval silver escutcheons. The finely engraved spine of the butt is inlaid in silver with Celtic ropework patterns with three silver inlaid chevron engraved bands under the action which has engraved pattern lines between the silver panels including waves and chevrons/wheat ears. Ram’s Horn scrolls are similarly engraved. Pricker between the horns is a hollow silver button shape engraved with four petals - the pricker has some dents where removal has been attempted as it appears to be stuck in position. The fore end of the stock is engraved on four sides with matching engraving to the rest of the stock. The original finely shaped belt hook is mounted to the left side of the stock. Overall length 12.25".
The maker of this pistol was John Campbell, the second of the Campbell generation of gunsmiths operating during the 18th century. He was one of the leading gunmakers in Scotland and died in 1807, aged 71.
The ramrod of this pistol is missing but a replacement could be copied from similar examples. The lock works but may require attention as the trigger movement (they invariably have some ‘play’) is greater than normal. The pistol has been chemically cleaned by a previous owner which has left a satin finish. The engraving is mainly crisp except for the belt hook so careful polishing would no doubt improve appearance. The silver inlays are all present. The price reflects these recommendations as individual examples of this fine maker attract substantially higher prices.
SOLD
POST BOYS PISTOL BY HARDING
MAIL COACH INSPECTORS OR POST BOYS PATTERN FLINTLOCK OVERCOAT PISTOL WITH BELT HOOK BY J. HARDING.
An untouched 'Sleeper' - Early 19th century Flintlock Overcoat Pistol with Belt Hook by J. Harding of Mail Coach pattern either for Inspectors of Mail Coaches or Post Boys. 5.75" smoothbore octagonal 20 bore barrel marked BOROUGH LONDON on top flat. Foliate engraved tang and screw. Stepped bevelled border engraved lock signed HARDING (no other markings visible externally - may be some internally but lock not removed to inspect due to patina) with sliding safety, roller frizzen, excellent action. Brass furniture comprising triggergard and ramrod pipes. Original ramrod. Steel belt hook. Figured full stock with rounded butt. Overall length 11". Excellent condition apart from crack to left side fore end. Lovely patina. Very original and rare to find one with the belt hook and original ramrod.
There are various references to pistols by Harding of this size and style. See "Those Entrusted with Arms" by Frederick Wilkinson, Appendix 4 pages 257-258. The mark of a crown above a broad arrow often appears on barrels and locks of this pattern. However, as Wilkinson states, this " special mark is found on many, but not all, of Harding's coaching weapons".
A very similar overcoat pistol is in the Postal Museum, exhibit 2009-0060/1 which is attributed to being carried by a Post Boy. See https://www.postalmuseum.org/blog/arming-the-post/ Also see The 89th London Antique Arms Fair Catalogue, Autumn 2012, article pages 48-49 of 'Firearms of the Mail Coach Guards' by F. Wilkinson for more useful information.
James HARDING, Gunmaker, 44 Blackman St., Borough, 1810; 38 Blackman St., 1811-24; 99 Blackman St., 1825-7; 82 Blackman St., 1828-33. Gunmaker to General Post Office (brass barrelled mail coach pistols & blunderbusses); Union Street Police Office, Southwark from 1816. James HARDING & Son Gunmakers, 82 Blackman St., Borough, 1834-6; 265 Borough High St., 1837-8; 246 High St., 1838-43. (Howard L. Blackmore -1986 - Gunmakers Of London, 1350-1850. George Shumway Publisher. USA)
SOLD
DURS EGG SPORTING GUN
EX W. KEITH NEAL COLLECTION: DURS EGG 18 BORE DOUBLE BARREL PERCUSSION SPORTING GUN, CIRCA 1785-1795
An early 18 bore double barrelled percussion (converted circa 1825 from flintlock) sporting gun by Durs Egg of London. Rebrowned 30.5” damascus twist barrels signed in gold on central rib D EGG LONDON, silver bead fore sight, bores reasonable, period replacement percussion breeches with platinum plugs. London proofs to underside with makers number of 449. Engraved tang. Stepped border engraved bevel edged locks signed D Egg in script, with border line engraving, engraved dogs to tail with birds on the wing above foliage directly behind dolphin headed scroll engraved hammers which are probably original as they also have wheat ear engraved bevelled edges which match the lockplate. Working actions. Double triggers. Matching original steel furniture comprising, buttplate, ramrod pipe and triggerguard in the French front pillar fashion with engraved ribbon/shield below and pineapple finial and traditional engraving to bow of a dog with bird in mouth looking at a bird on the wing above, starburst engraved to rear bow. Brass tipped ramrod, probably original. Figured walnut half stock with gold escutcheon to shoulder with owners initials of JE, silver barrel wedge escutcheons (one with damage), some minor wood losses above and forward of lock, chequering worn.
An ex W Keith Neal Collection sporting gun, by an excellent maker, complete with his collection medallion. Would grade up with attention to stock and refreshing engraving which is worn throughout.
We have dated this Egg circa 1785-1795. The serial number of 449 indicates an early gun but it is not known when he started numbering his production. Egg was amongst the first to offer the French fashion of triggerguard. There is strong evidence, from looking at the worn engraving, that it was engraved by William Palmer, Master Engraver, 1735-1812. In the records of William Palmer, he details many such Egg double guns engraved by him between 1790-94 (15 in 1791, 29 in 1792, 13 in 1793, 4 in 1794). The dogs and birds on the wing plus the tang engraving are typical of Palmer who left behind around 1200 rubbings/pulls/smoke blackings in his original account book.
SOLD
WILLIAM IV CAVALRY PISTOL
A REGULATION WILLIAM IV FLINTLOCK CAVALRY PISTOL
A Regulation William IV New Land Pattern Flintlock Cavalry pistol circa 1830-1837. 16 bore, 9" round barrel stamped with a crowned MR for Portugal and other markings - see photos. Stepped bolted border engraved lockplate engraved with Crown over WR and Inspectors crowned arrow mark. Throat hole border engraved cock. Excellent Walnut fullstock with strong board of Ordnance mark, two inspectors stamps underneath of stock and other markings including maker E BAKER by sideplate and initials JI. Regulation furniture comprising domed stepped brass butt cap, trigger guard, ramrod pipe, brass fore end cap and sideplate, swivel ramrod. Handling marks to barrel and buttcap in particular but good overall condition. 15.75" overall.
Great Britain supplied Portugal with ordnance pistols during and after the Napoleonic Wars. They were marked with the sovereigns cipher, either JR for Joao VI (1799-1826) or Maria I (1828-53). See page 66, British Military Pistols 1603-1888 by R.E. Brooker, Jr.
SOLD
NEW LAND FLINTLOCK PISTOL
A VERY GOOD NEW LAND REGULATION ISSUE FLINTLOCK PISTOL DATED 1805
A very good all original New Land Pattern Regulation Issue Flintlock Pistol. 16 bore, 9" barrel with crisp Ordnance View and Proof Marks, number 44 under indistinct mark behind frizzen, barrel in excellent condition. Tang marked 2 to rear. Flat lockplate marked with a CROWN over GR, Ordnance Inspectors stamp of a Crown over arrow and TOWER to rear. Flat ring neck reinforced cock, raised pan with engraved bridle. Excellent working action. Walnut fullstock with various Ordnance and storekeepers marks with an Ordnance Crown over broad arrow and date of 1805 (feint) stamped behind rear of lockplate. Swivel ramrod. Regulation brass mounts.
SOLD
EARLY SILVER MOUNTED FLINTLOCK
AN EARLY SILVER MOUNTED ENGLISH FLINTLOCK HOLSTER PISTOL SILVER HALLMARKS 1741-1742
An early English Silver Mounted Flintlock Holster pistol. 8" round swamped 18 smoothbore barrel incorporating tang signed along top flat (indistinguishable - feint), proof marks and overstamped barrel makers mark. Stepped bevel edged lockplate with unclear makers signature and engraved roundels and foliage, swan necked flintcock and a roller frizzen - all looks original so is the earliest use of a roller frizzen that we have seen. Alternatively, the lock may be a slightly later Georgian period replacement. Slender Walnut full stock (handling marks). Wooden ramrod. Silver mounts (worn) comprising sideplate with stand of arms and shot tower, escutcheon with owners crest of a hand holding stems (unresearched), silver long eared silver buttcap with early style of grotesque mask, silver ramrod pipes. Silver hallmarks to rear of triggerguard with Lion Passant and Leopards Head Crowned for London and date letter for 1741-42. Overall length 14.3".
SOLD
DATED LIGHT DRAGOON FLINTLOCK PISTOL
AN EARLY DATED 1786 REGULATION LIGHT DRAGOON FLINTLOCK PISTOL
An early dated 1786 Regulation Light Dragoon Flintlock Pistol. 15½" overall, 16 bore 9" round barrel with regulation proof marks, border engraved flat lockplate signed Crown over GR, border engraved cock, regulation furniture including lobed butt cap, brass trigger guard, side plate and ramrod pipe. Original ramrod. Stock with marking of Crown over entwined GR and 1786. Also stock makers mark of BW to side plate and an inspectors crown mark near trigger guard. Pan is slightly pitted otherwise very good original metalwork. Excellent lock. Stock has normal handling marks but all original. Period holster in very good unrestored worn condition.
We sold an identical item a few years ago except stock makers mark was IW and there was an old fore end repair - see previously sold items.
SOLD
PATTERN 1856 LANCERS PISTOL
AN EXCELLENT PATTERN 1856 LANCERS PERCUSSION PISTOL
An interesting variation of a Pattern 1856 Lancers pistol. In excellent condition, this pistol has a 7.9" smoothbore barrel of 15 bore with various acceptance and inspectors marks. Stirrup ramrod. Regulation flat lockplate in superb condition marked with TOWER 1860 and with crowned VR on the tail, further crowned arrow inspectors mark and P over 23. Strong working action. Regulation brass mounts with iron lanyard ring. Superb figured walnut stock (one old crack between barrel wedge and end of stock). Overall length 14.5". A beautiful pistol which may have been a prototype as we have never seen another in this configuration.
SOLD