A Cased Pair Of 25-Bore Flintlock Silver-Mounted Officer's Pistols By Bennett, Royal Exchange, London, Birmingham Silver Hallmarks For 1798, Maker's Mark Of John BennettWith slightly swamped russet octagonal sighted barrels each engraved 'ROYAL EXCHANGE LONDON' along the top flat and with silver fore-sight, the bottom flats retaining much original browning and stamped 'STUBS', engraved tangs each with back-sight, signed border engraved flat bevelled locks (retaining screws and one cock old replacements) each with safety-catch and roller, figured full stocks (now with wooden side flats replacing side-plates) each with chequered rounded butt, border engraved mounts comprising butt-caps each decorated with a flower-head centred on the retaining screw, trigger-guards each with acorn finial, decorated with a flower-head in a diamond-shaped panel on the bow, and engraved 'V.H. Mairis' on the tang (one repaired), vacant shield-shaped escutcheons, turned silver ramrods-pipes, and horn-tipped ramrods each with iron worm (some wear and rust patination): in modern lined and fitted wooden case with Dixon & Sons brass-mounted three-way powder-flask retaining most of its lacquered finish, steel oil bottle and bullet mould, the exterior of the lid with brass plate incorporating a flush-fitting carrying handle, Tower private proof marks and Bennett's barrelsmith's mark 23.5 cm. barrels Footnotes:John 2 Bennett was apprenticed to his father who is recorded as Citizen and Cutler in 1758. The father was a sword cutler and silver hilt maker registering his mark with the Goldsmith's company in 1761. The same mark appears on silver-mounted firearms made by his son, as in this case. John 2 worked on his own account at '67 Threadneedle Street opposite the North Gate of Ye Royal Exchange' between 1781 and 1803. The business was succeeded by his widow ElizabethThis lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
We found 117861 price guide item(s) matching your search
There are 117861 lots that match your search criteria. Subscribe now to get instant access to the full price guide service.
Click here to subscribe- List
- Grid
-
117861 item(s)/page
A Rare Cased Pair Of 17-Bore Percussion Officer's PistolsBy Purdey, London, No. 57, Circa 1840With browned twist sighted barrels each signed along the sighting flat, one barrel covered in gold finely punched with meandering foliage over its upper surfaces, case-hardened breeches each with gold line and engraved foliage on the top flat, threaded screw breech plugs, border engraved case-hardened tangs, signed detented back-action locks and dolphin hammers all decorated with scrolling foliage, engraved safety-catches, figured full stocks each numbered '289' on the inside of the fore-stock, finely chequered rounded butts each stamped '57', blued steel mounts comprising border engraved ovoidal butt-caps each with hinged trap cover decorated with a flower-head, trigger-guards each decorated with foliate scrollwork on the border engraved bow, trigger-plates each with pineapple finial, and turned ramrod-pipes, vacant silver escutcheon and barrel-bolt escutcheons, stirrup ramrods, and most of their original finish: in original lined and fitted mahogany case (lining with old wear) with some accessories including powder-flask, the interior of the lid with maker's trade label, the exterior with flush-fitting brass carrying handle on a brass plate, London proof marks 19 cm. barrels Footnotes:LiteratureL. Patrick Unsworth, The Early Purdeys, 1996, p. 80The gold decoration carried out in India during the pistols working lifeThis lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
An Irish Brass-Barrelled Flintlock BlunderbussBy Harrison, Dublin, Mid-18th CenturyWith heavy two-stage barrel flared at the muzzle, and stamped with Irish registration number 'DU 7307' for County Dublin, the breech engraved 'DUBLIN' and decorated with foliage at the rear, lightly engraved tang, signed border engraved rounded lock, figured moulded full stock (fore-stock with some old splits and chipped along the upper edge on both sides at the muzzle, toe of butt chipped) carved in low relief with a shell and apron around the barrel tang, and stamped with owner's name 'W. MEDGALE'(?) behind the tang of the trigger-guard, brass mounts comprising side-plate of land pattern type, butt-plate with border engraved tang decorated with a foliate scroll and three graduated spheres, border engraved trigger-guard with foliate finial and decorated with a flower-head on the bow, vacant brass escutcheon of service type, plain ramrod-pipe, and later brass-tipped ramrod (tang and lock with light pitting), Irish proof marks and Harrison's barrelsmith's mark 41.3 cm. barrelFootnotes:John Harrison is recorded in Dublin between 1739 and 1763For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Cased Pair Of 40-Bore Percussion Duelling Or Target PistolsBy H. Bales, Ipswich, Nos. 240 And 241, Circa 1830With rebrowned twist sighted barrels signed in gold capital letters along the top flat, foliate engraved breeches (some old pitting around the nipples) each with gold lines and pierced platinum plug, foliate engraved tangs each with back-sight, signed border engraved flat detented locks and dolphin hammers decorated with scrolling foliage, the former each with engraved safety-catch, figured half-stock (minor old bruising) with chequered rounded butts and silver fore-end caps, steel trigger-guards each retaining some blueing on the inside and decorated with scrolling foliage on the serial numbered border engraved bow, trigger-plates each with pineapple finial, vacant silver escutcheons and barrel-bolt escutcheons, adjustable set triggers, and original brass-mounted ramrods (some light rust patination): in their lined and fitted mahogany case (slender old split, two compartment lids missing) with some accessories including Sykes brass-mounted three-way powder-flask, the interior of the lid with maker's trade label (some damage), the exterior with circular vacant brass escutcheon centred on a flush-fitting brass carrying handle, London proof marks 24.3 cm. barrelsFootnotes:Henry Bales is recorded as working for Forsyth & Co. in London from about 1808 before setting up on his own at 2 Upper James Street, Golden Square in 1811. He is recorded working in Ipswich between 1814 and 1830, and died in 1835This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Cased Pair of 18-Bore Flintlock Overcoat Or Travelling PistolsBy John Rigby, Dublin, Early 19th CenturyWith rebrowned damascus twist sighted barrels each engraved 'Dublin' within the sighting groove along the top, and stamped beneath with Irish registration mark 'D-N 2325' for County Down, grooved tangs each engraved with foliage, signed border engraved flat bevelled locks each engraved with a starburst behind the pan, engraved 'French' cocks (top of one repaired, the other and one steel old replacements), safety-catches and rollers, figured full stocks with chequered rounded butts, the latter each with silver cap (one bruised) with characteristically short tail, and hinged border engraved cover along the back secured by a spring catch and opening to reveal cavities for balls, steel trigger-guards each decorated with foliage on the border engraved bow and with pineapple finial, and stirrup ramrods (steel parts with some old rust patination): in later lined and fitted mahogany case with brass-mounted powder-flask 9 cm. barrelsFootnotes:An example of early pre-serial numbered Rigby pistols. Serial numbering began in 1821, starting with number 5337For related pistols sold in these Rooms see 28 November 2018, lot 119; and 27 November 2019, lot 378This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Cased Pair Of 22-Bore Flintlock Duelling PistolsSigned W. Parker, Holborn, London, No. 2309, Circa 1815-20With rebrowned twist octagonal sighted barrels indistinctly signed along the top flat, platinum-lined touch-holes, border engraved tangs each with back-sight and decorated with a martial trophy, signed border engraved flat bevelled locks each engraved with starbursts and a martial trophy at the stepped tail, engraved cocks (one cock and one top jaw and screw replaced), semi-rainproof pans and rollers, figured full stocks (minor old bruising) each with finely chequered rounded butt, steel trigger-guards each with pineapple finial and decorated with a part martial trophy and foliage on the border engraved bow, turned ramrod-pipes, vacant silver escutcheons and barrel-bolt escutcheons, and original horn-tipped ramrods each with iron worm (steel parts with some wear and light pitting): in modern lined and fitted wooden case with some accessories including brass-mounted three-way powder-flask and double-ended turnscrew, the interior of the lid with reproduction maker's label, the exterior with circular vacant brass escutcheon centred on a flush-fitting circular brass carrying handle, London proof marks 25.7 cm. barrels Footnotes:ProvenanceChristie's South Kensington, Antique Arms and Armour, 12 July 2000, lot 179Probably retailed by William 3 Parker recorded at 233 High Holborn from 1793 until the year of his death in 1841. He supplied arms to Police offices from 1802 and to the Metropolitan Police from 1829This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Cased Pair Of 20-Bore Flintlock Duelling Pistols By W. Ketland & Co., London, circa 1815-20With rebrowned damascus twist octagonal sighted barrels each engraved 'London' in gothic script along the top flat, breeches each engraved with a basket of fruit on the top flat between gold lines and with platinum-lined touch-hole, case-hardened border engraved tangs each decorated with foliage and with back-sight, border engraved case-hardened flat bevelled detented locks each signed in scrolled gothic script and with foliage terminating in a swan's head at the stepped rounded tail, foliate engraved ring-neck cocks, engraved blued safety-catches, rainproof pans and rollers, highly figured half-stocks with chequered rounded butts, reblued spur trigger-guards each with pineapple finial and decorated with a fox mask amid foliage on the border engraved bow, vacant silver escutcheons, barrel-bolt escutcheons and fore-end caps, blued adjustable set triggers, and original brass-mounted ramrods each with threaded brass cap over the worm: in original lined and fitted brass-mounted mahogany case with accessories comprising brass-mounted two-way powder-flask, ramrod with various threaded brass cleaning and loading attachments, leather flint wallet (some insect damage), steel bullet mould and oil bottle, the exterior of the lid with circular brass escutcheon incorporating a flush-fitting carrying handle, Birmingham proof marks 26.2 cm. barrels Footnotes:ProvenanceSotheby's Summers Place, Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria, Antique Weapons, Pistols and Rifles, 9 May 1994, lot 446The Richard Garrett Collection of Antique Firearms & Related Items, sold in these Rooms 28 November 2018, lot 329William Ketland & Co. are recorded in Birmingham between 1808 and 1831. The company had a London branch at 2 Copthall Buildings in 1818This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Cased Pair Of 40-Bore Flintlock Saw-Handled Duelling PistolsBy Wattell Clark Of London, The Barrels By Johann Jakob Kuchenreuter, Early 19th CenturyWith swamped octagonal barrels (now blackened) signed in silver capital letters along the top flat and inlaid with symmetrical silver scrollwork (some losses) at the muzzle and breech, the latter each with gilt brass-lined maker's stamp (Neue Støckel 621, one with some corrosion), lined touch-holes, foliate engraved tangs each with folding two-leaf back-sights, signed border engraved flat detented locks each decorated with a starburst behind the rainproof pan and with a martial trophy at the tail, foliate engraved cocks, safety-catches and rollers (cock retaining screws and one safety-catch replaced), figured half-stocks (small splits and repairs) each with rounded spur and chequered rounded butt, the latter each with flat ovoidal pommel with border engraved oval plate decorated with foliage, steel trigger-guards each with pineapple finial and decorated with a martial trophy on the border engraved bow, silver fore-end caps and barrel-bolt escutcheons, set triggers, and later horn-tipped ramrods (steel parts with some wear and light surface pitting): in relined and refitted mahogany case with James Dixon & Sons powder-flask with split-ring for suspension, the interior of the lid with armorial bookplate of The right Hon.ble Tho. James Lord Viscount Bulkeley 1785, the exterior with brass plate incorporating a flush-fitting carrying handle 27.3 cm. barrels Footnotes:ProvenanceChristie's London, Antique Arms and Armour..., 18 July 2002, lot 351This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Cased Pair Of Flintlock Officer's Pistols Of Carbine BoreSigned Smith, London, Early 19th CenturyWith rebrowned sighted barrels each signed along the sighting flat, breeches each with platinum line and platinum-lined touch-hole, foliate engraved tangs each with back-sight, signed border engraved flat bevelled locks (one steel replaced) decorated with foliage and each with safety-catch, foliate engraved cock, semi-rainproof pan and roller, figured full stocks (minor old bruising) each with chequered rounded butt, steel trigger-guards each with pineapple finial and decorated with foliage on the border engraved bow, vacant silver escutcheons and barrel-bolt escutcheons (one bolt replaced), horn fore-end caps, and stirrup ramrods (steel parts with some wear and rust patination): in modern brass-mounted lined and fitted wooden case with some accessories, the exterior of the lid with brass plate incorporating a flush-fitting carrying handle, London proof marks 20.3 cm. barrelsThis lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Rare Cased Pair Of Scottish 28-Bore Flintlock Duelling Pistols By Haugh, Dumfries, Circa 1800With rebrowned twist octagonal sighted barrels each with inlaid silver oval on the top flat inscribed 'HAUGH DUMFRIES', the bottom flat at the breech stamped 'TA' crowned, breeches each with white-metal line and gold-lined touch-hole, sighted border engraved tangs each decorated with a scallop shell and foliage, signed flat bevelled locks (one cock and old replacement) each with stepped tail and roller bearing on a ramp on the steel-spring, the circular bridle on the inside of the lock pierced with ovals forming a flower-head, figured full stocks (old bruising) with rounded flat-sided butts, border engraved steel mounts (some rust patination) retaining traces of blueing and comprising butt-caps each decorated with a flower-head centred on the retaining screw, trigger-guards each with pineapple finial and decorated with a flower on the border engraved bow, turned ramrod-pipes, and original horn-tipped ramrods each with iron worm: in later relined and refitted brass-mounted mahogany case with some accessories including brass-mounted powder-flask retaining much of its lacquered finish, and a double-ended turnscrew with pricker, the exterior of the lid with shaped vacant brass escutcheon 25 cm. barrelsFootnotes:Haugh is recorded in Dumfries between circa 1800 and 1820This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
An Unusually Decorated 14-Bore Percussion Sporting GunBy Samuel Nock, Regent Circus, Piccadilly, London, Gun Maker To His Majesty, No. 6580, Circa 1830With rebrowned three-stage sighted barrel formed of alternately twist and damascus bands, octagonal breech becoming polygonal and signed in full along the top flat (engraving refreshed), patent breech with platinum-lined maker's stamp framed by an engraved sporting scene involving a gundog and shot game birds, slender gold line, grooved tang engraved with partridges, a running hare and hanging game, signed border engraved flat lock decorated with a landscape scene inhabited by a pointer and partridges, and on the tail with a spaniel, a retrieved pheasant in its mouth, foliate engraved hammer with detachable striker retained by a spring, figured half-stock with chequered grip, border engraved steel mounts decorated with sporting scenes comprising a sportsman and his gundog with hares hanging from a branch on the heel tang of the butt-plate, the bow of the trigger-guard with a sportsman shooting a pheasant (engraving refreshed), and with game birds along the tang, trigger-plate with pineapple finial, fore-end cap decorated with a starburst and also forming the ramrod-entry, vacant silver escutcheon and barrel-bolt escutcheons, and original brass-mounted ramrod, London proof marks 79.7 cm. barrel Footnotes:Samuel Nock is recorded at 43 Regent Circus between 1823 and 1852. He was elected Master of the Gunmakers' Company in 1836 and held appointments successively to Kings George III in 1805, George IV in 1822 and William IV in 1830, and to Queen Victoria in 1837For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Very Rare Cased Pair Of Irish 32-Bore Flintlock Duelling PistolsBy Wm. & Jno. Rigby Dublin, Nos. 6281 And 6282 For 1827With heavy etched twist octagonal sighted barrels signed in gothic script along the top flat, recessed patent breeches each with three gold lines and platinum-lined touch-hole, foliate engraved tangs each with back-sight, border engraved flat locks each signed in gothic script and decorated with foliage and drums, cocks en suite, engraved safety-catches, rainproof pans and rollers, figured half-stocks (minor old bruising) with chequered flattened rounded butts, border engraved steel mounts comprising spurred ovoidal butt-caps each with retaining screw centred on a flower-head, spur trigger-guards each decorated with a martial trophy and foliage on the border engraved bow, trigger-plates each with pineapple finial, vacant silver escutcheons, barrel-bolt escutcheons and fore-end caps, and brass-tipped ramrods: in their mahogany case, possibly original, fitted and relined in green baize with some accessories including brass-mounted three-way powder-flask re-covered in red leather, the interior of the lid with reproduction maker's trade label, the exterior (slender old split) with circular flush-fitting brass carrying handle centred on a circular vacant brass escutcheon 21.3 cm. barrels Footnotes:ProvenanceSold in these Rooms, Arms, Armour, Aeronautica & Militaria, 28 May 1996, lot 334The Richard Garrett Collection of Antique Firearms & Related Items, sold in these Rooms 28 November 2018, lot 330LiteratureD.H.L. Back, Great Irish Gunmakers: Messrs. Rigby 1760-1896, 1992, p. 46. Recorded as 'Best duelling pistols with case complete' sold to Sir J. Piers for £26.5.0This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Cased Pair Of 40-Bore Percussion Saw-Handled Duelling Or Target PistolsBy W.W. Shaw, Market Place, Manchester, Mid-19th CenturyWith browned twist octagonal sighted barrels each signed in full in gothic script along the top flat, border engraved case-hardened breeches each with a martial trophy on top and small platinum plug, border engraved case-hardened tangs each with back-sight and decorated with foliate scrollwork, signed flat detented locks and dolphin hammers decorated en suite, figured half-stocks each with rounded spur flat along the top and chequered rounded butt, the latter each with flat ovoidal pommel set with a vacant silver escutcheon, silver barrel-bolt escutcheons and fore-end caps, blued spur trigger-guards each decorated with a martial trophy on the border engraved bow and with engraved pineapple-shaped finial, adjustable set triggers, original steel-tipped ramrods each with worm under a threaded brass cap (one ramrod-pipe loose), and retaining much of their old refinish: in original relined and refitted mahogany case with some accessories, the exterior of the lid (old split and some scratching) with shaped brass plate incorporating a flush-fitting brass carrying handle, Birmingham proof marks 21 cm. barrels Footnotes:William Willoughby Shaw is recorded at 1 Blue Boar Court, Manchester between 1810 and 1837For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Cased Pair Of Percussion Officer's Pistols Of Carbine Bore Signed D. Egg, No. 1 Pall Mall, London, Mid-19th CenturyWith browned twist octagonal sighted barrels each signed in full along the top flat, foliate engraved case-hardened breeches each with white-metal line, border engraved tangs, signed border engraved flat detented locks and dolphin hammers en suite, engraved safety-catches, figured full stocks each with chequered rounded butt, blued steel mounts including trigger-guards each decorated with scrolling foliage on the bow and with engraved pineapple-shaped finial, silver escutcheons engraved with owner's monogram, stirrup ramrods, and most of their original finish: in relined and refitted brass-mounted mahogany case with a few accessories including powder-flask with bag-shaped body embossed with a running hare in a landscape on both sides, the interior of the lid with an original maker's trade label, Birmingham proof marks 18.5 cm. barrels This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Cased Pair Of Flintlock Pistols Of Carbine BoreBy Hampton Of Birmingham, Circa 1815-20With rebrowned twist octagonal sighted barrels, recessed patent breeches each with gold lines and platinum-lined touch-hole, sighted tangs each engraved with a trophy and foliage, border engraved flat bevelled locks (mainsprings removed and in the case) each signed in gothic script and decorated with a starburst behind the rainproof pan and with foliage at the stepped rounded tail, foliate engraved cocks, engraved safety-catches and rollers, figured half-stocks (old bruising, one fore-stock with repaired split) each with chequered rounded butt, steel mounts comprising border engraved butt-caps each decorated with a flower-head centred on the retaining screw, trigger-guards each with a symmetrical design of foliage on the border engraved bow, and trigger-plates each with pineapple finial, shield-shaped vacant silver escutcheons, barrel-bolt escutcheons (bolts damaged) and fore-end caps, and original brass-mounted ramrods (some rust patination): in their brass-mounted mahogany case fitted and lined in green velvet with some accessories including powder-flask with embossed copper body, the exterior of the lid with shaped brass plate incorporating a flush-fitting brass carrying handle, Birmingham proof marks 20 cm. barrelsFootnotes:The maker is almost certainly Thomas Hampton of Birmingham recorded as 'Manufacturer of arms to His Majesty's Honourable Board of Ordnance, and of all kinds of fine fowling pieces, gun & pistols for exportation'. He is known to have marked his firearms 'London', and died in 1824This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Cased Pair Of Flintlock Duelling PistolsBy Joseph Manton, London, No. 6448 For 1814With rebrowned twist octagonal sighted scratch-rifled barrels, case-hardened recessed patent breeches each with rectangular platinum-lined maker's stamp, platinum line and platinum-lined touch-hole, border engraved tangs each with large back-sight and decorated with foliage, signed border engraved signed detented flat locks each decorated with a starburst behind the rainproof pan and with foliage on the tail, safety-catches, foliate engraved cocks (retaining screws replaced), and steels each with roller bearing on a ramp on the steel-spring, the steels engraved 'Joseph Manton Patent' and numbered respectively '6656' (refreshed) and '6657', figured half-stocks each with chequered butt (one with slender repair) and dark horn fore-end cap, border engraved steel mounts comprising butt-caps each with a flower-head centred on the retaining screw, trigger-guards each with serial number in an oval against a martial trophy on the border engraved bow, trigger-plates each with pineapple finial, and turned rear ramrod-pipes, vacant silver escutcheons, and later horn-tipped ramrods: in original lined and fitted mahogany case with some accessories including brass-mounted three-way powder-flask covered in red leather (minor scuffs), and turnscrew retaining its brass pricker, the interior of the lid with maker's trade label (minor damage) for 1819-20, the exterior (minor bruising) with circular vacant brass escutcheon centred on a flush-fitting circular brass carrying handle (2)23.8 cm. barrels Footnotes:ProvenanceSotheby's London, Arms, Armour and Militaria..., 6 November 1985, lot 264 The Estate of A. Garth Wilson, Christie's London, Antique Arms and Armour, 16 December 2002, lot 131LiteratureD.H.L. Back, Great British Gunmakers, The Mantons 1782-1878, 1993, p.107Offered with a Joseph Manton trade label for circa 1810-12This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
An 18-Bore Flintlock PistolBy Williams Of London, Late 18th CenturyWith slightly swamped sighted barrel, border engraved tang decorated with a martial trophy, signed flat bevelled lock with roller (top jaw and screw replaced), figured full stock (some wear, fore-end with old splits at the muzzle), brass trigger-guard decorated with a flower-head on the border engraved bow, turned brass ramrod-pipes, and later horn-tipped ramrod (barrel and lock pitted, trigger replaced), London proof marks 20.2 cm. barrel For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Cased Pair Of 25-Bore Flintlock Duelling PistolsBy Harcourt, Ipswich, Early 19th CenturyWith browned twist octagonal sighted barrels each engraved 'IPSWICH' along the top flat, stamped 'TWISTED STUBS' along the bottom flat, and with a band of foliage at the rear of the breech, border engraved tangs each with back-sight and decorated with a Britannia shield and foliage, signed border engraved flat detented locks each decorated with a starburst behind the semi-rainproof pan and with safety-catch, foliate engraved cock (one expertly replaced) and roller, figured full stocks each with chequered rounded butt, steel trigger-guards each with pineapple finial and decorated with a martial trophy on the border engraved bow, turned ramrod-pipes, adjustable set triggers, silver barrel-bolt escutcheons, and original brass-mounted ramrods (barrels and mounts with some old rust patination): in modern lined and fitted wooden case including brass-mounted wedge-shaped powder-flask retaining most of its lacquered finish, the exterior of the lid with flush-fitting circular brass carrying handle, London proof marks 24.2 cm. barrels Footnotes:John Harcourt was born in 1767 and is recorded at Rotten Row, Ipswich, Suffolk between 1791 and 1811, and Upper Brook Street, between 1815 and 1839. Also recorded as a crossbow maker, he died in 1846This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Very Rare 54-Bore Flintlock Rifled Breech-Loading Repeating Magazine Pistol On The Lorenzoni PrincipleBy Grice, London, Indistinct Birmingham Silver Hallmarks, Maker's Mark Of William Grice, Circa 1780With three-stage cannon barrel turned at the muzzle and rifled with eight spiral grooves, octagonal breech with fluted girdle, engraved 'LONDON' on a foliate scroll along the top flat and with a band of beadwork at the rear, border engraved rounded action and bevelled back-action lock, the former finely decorated with rocailles and foliage, and with a basket of flowers forward of the grooved gas-escape, the latter signed on a foliated scroll, later crude cock automatically cocked via a flat bar on the inside engaging with the circular brass breech-block and operated by the curved side-lever with button terminal, hinged priming magazine cover with spring catch and engraved with a flower (steel-spring missing), hinged border engraved magazine cover for balls on the left decorated en suite with the action and with sprung button catch, steel trigger-guard engraved with a foliate rocaille on the bow, figured swelling rounded butt profusely inlaid with fine symmetrical silver wire scrollwork and engraved silver flower-heads issuing from a basket above a silver wire oval, and involving a rocaille on each side, cast and chased silver lion and rampart butt-cap within a border of rocailles, and in fine condition 11.5 cm. barrelFootnotes:The maker is William Grice (1766-90) recorded working at 5 Sand Street, Birmingham between 1774 and 1781 following which date he was in partnership with Joseph Grice (1782-1797) at the same address. He died on 25 July 1790. It is most unusual to find a gunsmith with a registered silver mark as a small workerFor an unsigned example, Birmingham hallmarked for 1785, see The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Early Firearms of Great Britain and Ireland from the Collection of Clay P. Bedford, 1971, pp. 122 and 125, no. 129. See also a related rifle formerly in the W. Keith Neal Collection and sold in these Rooms, Antique Arms and Armour, 4 April 2007, lot 371Although the breech-loading magazine system employed is usually termed the 'Lorenzoni System' after the Florentine gunmaker Michele Lorenzoni, it is not certain to which European gunmaker the credit for its invention should be given. A much quoted reference to the system in the diaries of Samuel Pepys dates back to 1662. On 3 July he refers to a 'gun to discharge seven times, the best of all devices I ever saw, and very serviceable, and not a bauble, for it is much approved of, and many made thereof'. Despite this eulogy the incidence of explosion in the powder magazines probably explains the great rarity of such firearms todayFor further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A 20-Bore Flintlock Silver-Mounted PistolBy Griffin, Joseph, London, Indistinct Silver Marks, Circa 1765With slightly swamped barrel signed within a drop-shaped panel along the breech flat, border engraved tang decorated with foliage, signed border engraved rounded lock (cock repaired), figured full stock (minor repairs, forward ramrod-pipe replaced) carved with a shell behind the barrel tang, cast and chased mounts comprising pierced foliate and rocaille side-plate, vacant escutcheon en suite, and grotesque mask butt-cap, steel trigger-guard with early form of acorn finial and engraved with a flower-head on the bow, and later wooden ramrod (steel parts with some old rust patination), London proof marks 20.7 cm. barrel Footnotes:Joseph Griffin was turned over to his father in 1741 and was free of the Gunmakers' Company in 1750. He was appointed Gentleman Armourer to His Majesty's Stables-in-Ordinary in 1760 and was elected Master of the Gunmakers' Company in 1761 and 1763. He was in partnership with his father until 1770 and with John Tow between 1771-82. He died in 1784This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Cased Pair Of 28-Bore Flintlock Travelling Or Overcoat PistolsBy Goodwin & Co., London, Early 19th CenturyWith rebrowned twist sighted barrels each engraved 'London' along the sighting flat, sighted border engraved tangs decorated with foliage, signed border engraved flat bevelled locks each with safety-catch, semi-rainproof pan and roller, foliate engraved ring-neck cocks (one top jaw and screw replaced), figured full stocks each with pineapple chequered rounded butt (one with old insert), steel trigger-guards each with pineapple finial and decorated with a Britannia shield and foliage on the border engraved bow, silver escutcheons engraved with unidentifiable owner's crest, and original horn-tipped ramrod with iron worm (the other replaced): in modern lined and fitted wooden case with some accessories, the exterior of the lid with circular vacant brass escutcheon centred on a flush-fitting circular brass carrying handle, London proof marks 8.4 cm. barrels Footnotes:ProvenanceChristie's South Kensington, Antique Arms and Armour, 12 July 2000, lot 160George Goodwin & Co. are recorded in Birmingham between 1807 and 1818. They are known to have marked their firearms 'London'This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Rare Cased Pair Of 28-Bore Flintlock Duelling PistolsBy Prosser, Charing Cross, London, No. 64, Dated 1803With rebrowned twist octagonal sighted barrels each signed in full along the top flat from the breech, silver fore-sights, border engraved case-hardened breeches each with gold line and gold-lined touch-hole, border engraved case-hardened tangs each with back-sight and decorated with a martial trophy and foliage, signed border engraved flat bevelled detented locks each decorated with a starburst behind the rainproof pan and with foliage at the stepped tail, engraved cocks and safety-catches, and rollers each on a blued spring, highly figured half-stocks each stamped '59' on the side-flat and with chequered 'Catalan'-style butt, the latter each with border engraved silver heel-plate engraved 'PROSSER' on a scroll above the date '1803', border engraved blued steel mounts comprising trigger-guards in the French taste each with pineapple finial and decorated with a musical trophy and foliage on the bow, fore-end caps also forming the rear ramrod-pipes and each engraved with a starburst, silver escutcheons engraved with owner's crest and monogram 'RGB', silver barrel-bolt escutcheons, original horn-tipped ramrods, one with iron worm, and some original finish: in original lined and fitted mahogany case with some accessories including brass-mounted three-way powder-flask covered in red leather, the interior of the lid (minor repairs) with maker's trade label (minor damage), the exterior with circular vacant brass escutcheon incorporating a flush-fitting brass carrying handle, London proof marks 23.3 cm. barrels Footnotes:John Prosser is recorded at 9 Charing Cross, London between 1796 and 1853. He was appointed Sword Cutler and Beltmaker to King George III in 1795 and to King George IV in 1827Cf. a pair of flintlock carriage pistols (no. 65) formerly in the W. Keith Neal Collection and sold in these Rooms, Antique Arms and Armour..., 22 April 2009, lot 341It is likely that Prosser serial numbered only his 'Catalan'-butted pistolsFor further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Brass-Mounted Flintlock Pistol Of Carbine BoreBy W. Bond Of London, Early 19th CenturyWith plain russet barrel, engraved tang, signed flat bevelled lock (safety-catch incomplete) sparsely decorated with foliage on the stepped tail and cock, roller, figured full stock with rounded flat-sided butt, border engraved mounts of regulation type including trigger-guard decorated with a flower-head on the bow, turned ramrod-pipes, and brass-tipped wooden ramrod, London proof marks 23.6 cm. barrel For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Pair Of 28-Bore Flintlock D.B. Travelling PistolsBy S. Brunn, 55 Charing Cross, London, Circa 1800With rebrowned sighted barrels signed along the breeches, each breech with gold line and gold-lined touch-hole, foliate engraved tangs each decorated with a starburst in the sighting groove, signed border engraved flat bevelled locks each decorated with a starburst behind the semi-rainproof pan and with foliage at the stepped tail, safety-catches (one replaced), engraved blackened cocks (two replaced) and steels, and rollers, figured half-stocks (one repaired above a lock) each with rounded butt (one with very small repair) cut with pineapple chequering, reblued steel mounts including trigger-guards each with pineapple finial and decorated with a Brittania shield and foliage on the border engraved bow, vacant silver escutcheons, and horn-tipped ramrods, one with iron worm (both pistols worn and with areas of pitting), London proof marks (2)15.2 cm. barrelsFootnotes:Samuel Brunn was Gunmaker to the Prince of Wales from 1800 to 1811, and to the Prince Regent from 1812 to 1820. He took over John Knubley's business at 7 Charing Cross on his death in 1795 and continued as John Knubley until 1797. From 1798 to 1804 Brunn worked under his own name as 'Sword Cutler & Gunmaker, Opposite the Mews, 55 Charing Cross', and from 1805 to 1820 is recorded at 56 Charing CrossFor further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A 60-Bore Flintlock Box-Lock Pocket PistolSigned G. Smart, Circa 1815-20With turn-off barrel, border engraved action signed in an oval against crossed banners on one side, and decorated with foliage on the other, engraved thumbpiece safety-catch also locking the steel, ring-neck cock (top jaw and screw replaced), trigger-guard engraved with a star on the bow, and figured flat-sided butt (some old rust patination), Birmingham proof marks 4.8 cm. barrel Footnotes:This maker or retailer appears to be unrecordedThis lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A 54-Bore Flintlock Box-Lock PistolBy Hadley, London, Circa 1770With turn-off cannon barrel numbered '1' at the lug, breech numbered to correspond, border engraved action (top jaw and screw old replacements) signed on a foliate rocaille over each side, one side involving banners, sliding trigger-guard safety-catch engraved with a flower-head on the bow, vacant silver escutcheon, and figured flat-sided butt inlaid with silver wire scrollwork including a rocaille on both sides, Tower private proof marks 9.3 cm. barrel Footnotes:The maker is probably Henry Hadley recorded in the minutes of the Gunmakers' Company in 1735, and died in 1773. He moved from the Minories to the more fashionable West End of London in 1749, where he worked for an exalted clientele, although he was never free of the Gunmakers' CompanyThis lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A 16-Bore Percussion Officer's PistolSigned J. Blanch, Mid-19th CenturyWith rebrowned twist octagonal sighted barrel, breech with platinum line and threaded plug, signed border engraved bolted flat lock decorated with foliage and scrollwork (hammer replaced), figured full stock with chequered rounded butt (broken through), trigger-guard (broken at the pineapple finial) retaining some blueing and decorated with a martial trophy and foliage on the border engraved bow, vacant silver escutcheon and barrel-bolt escutcheons, adjustable set trigger, and replacement stirrup ramrod, Birmingham proof marks 20.3 cm. barrel For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Fine And Rare Pair Of 22-Bore Flintlock Silver-Mounted Duelling PistolsBy John Twigg Of London, London Silver Hallmarks For 1763, Maker's Mark JAWith slightly swamped two-stage barrels (one with traces of original blued finish, the other reblued) each turned at the girdle and with silver spider fore-sight, the top of each octagonal breech with gold-lined maker's stamp in the Spanish manner, bright border engraved tangs decorated with foliage, flat bevelled locks each retained by two side nails and with stepped tail and first form of signature (one cock, jaw screws and one steel all expertly replaced), figured full stocks (minor old bruising) each faceted at the rear ramrod-pipe and carved in relief with a shell behind the barrel tang, rounded flat-sided butts each with characteristic flute on both sides, border engraved trigger-guards each with first pattern acorn finial and decorated with a flower-head on the bow, engraved close-set ramrod-pipes, and original horn-tipped ramrod with iron worm (the other ramrod replaced, one pistol with areas of old pitting): in modern lined and fitted wooden case with some accessories including three-way powder-flask (worn) and steel combination tool, the exterior of the lid with brass handle of Chippendale form, London proof marks 20.3 cm. barrelsFootnotes:ProvenanceW. Keith Neal CollectionChristie's London, Fine Antique Firearms from the W. Keith Neal Collection, 9 November 2000, lot 239LiteratureW. Keith Neal and D.H.L. Back, Great British Gunmakers 1740-1790, 1975 pp. 46-7, 133, pls. 95-98 (one pistol only)This is the earliest firmly datable pair of Twigg pistols recorded (the next being two pairs each hallmarked for 1768, respectively in the Royal Armouries, Leeds (inv. nos. XII. 1663/4), and the collection of the Duke of Buccleuch at Boughton House). Their distinctive flat-butted style influenced other makers of duelling pistols, especially Robert Wogdon and John MantonThis lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Cased Pair Of 20-Bore Flintlock Travelling PistolsSigned Smith, London, Circa 1815-20With browned twist octagonal sighted barrels each engraved 'London' in gothic script along the top flat, breeches each with platinum line and platinum-lined touch-hole, sighted tangs each engraved with a Britannia shield and drum amid foliage, signed case-hardened border engraved flat bevelled locks decorated with starbursts and part martial trophy at the stepped tail, safety-catches and ring-neck cocks en suite (one top jaw and screw expertly replaced), semi-rainproof pans and rollers, figured full stocks each with dark horn fore-end cap and chequered rounded butt, blued steel trigger-guards each with pineapple finial and decorated with a martial trophy on the border engraved bow, vacant silver escutcheons and barrel-bolt escutcheons, stirrup ramrods, and much original finish: in modern lined and fitted wooden case with some accessories including steel combination tool, the exterior of the lid with circular vacant brass escutcheon centred on a folding circular brass carrying handle, Birmingham proof marks 9.3 cm. barrels Footnotes:ProvenanceChristie's South Kensington, Antique Arms and Armour, 12 July 2000, lot 161This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Cased Pair Of 40-Bore Percussion Duelling PistolsBy Joseph Manton, London, No. 3134 For 1804Converted from flintlock, with browned twist octagonal sighted scratch rifled barrels (some rust patination), silver fore-sight, case-hardened breeches each with rectangular gold-lined maker's stamp, gold line and pierced platinum plug, border engraved tangs each with large back-sight and decorated with a martial trophy and foliage, signed border engraved case-hardened flat detented locks each decorated with a starburst and foliage, foliate engraved hammers each involving a monster-head and with detachable striker, engraved safety-catches, figured half-stocks each with chequered rounded butt and dark horn fore-end cap, border engraved blued steel mounts comprising butt-caps decorated with foliage and trigger-guards each with a martial trophy on the bow, trigger-plates each with pineapple finial, vacant silver escutcheons and barrel-bolt escutcheons, blued triggers, original horn-tipped ramrods, and much original blued finish: in earlier relined and refitted mahogany cased with brass-mounted three-way powder-flask covered in red leather, the interior of the lid with maker's trade label of fourth type for circa 1810 to 1819, the exterior with flush-fitting brass carrying handle 23.9 cm. barrelsFootnotes:Previously unrecordedThis lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A North European 25-Bore Flintlock PistolBy Petitjean, Late 18th Century, Possibly GermanWith twist two-stage sighted barrel with octagonal breech, border engraved tang grooved for sighting, signed flat bevelled lock, figured full stock in English taste carved in relief with a shell behind the barrel tang and inlaid with fine silver wire scrollwork along the back of the rounded butt, border engraved steel mounts decorated with foliage and comprising shaped flat side-plate, rounded pommel-cap decorated with a quiver and foliage, trigger-guard in the French taste and decorated en suite on the bow, turned ramrod-pipes, blued trigger and retaining screw heads, and horn-tipped ramrod with iron worm 17.7 cm. barrelFootnotes:An Isâc Petitjean is recorded working in BerlinFor further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
An Irish 20-Bore Flintlock Brass-Mounted Sporting GunBy Wisdom, Early 19th CenturyWith rebrowned octagonal sighted barrel (touch-hole bushed), plain grooved tang, flat bevelled lock stamped with maker's name (pitted, steel refaced), figured half-stock with dark horn cap and chequered grip, border engraved mounts comprising butt-plate with a martial trophy on the heel tang, scroll trigger-guard with pineapple finial and decorated with a martial trophy on the border engraved bow, turned rear ramrod-pipe, and later brass-tipped ramrod 87 cm. barrel Footnotes:Obidiah Wisdom is recorded at Drogheda, Co. LouthFor further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Cased Pair Of 40-Bore Percussion Duelling Or Target PistolsBy Forsyth & Co., Patent Gun Makers, London, Nos. 3459 And 3460, Circa 1827With lightly rebrowned twist octagonal sighted barrels each signed in full along the top flat, breeches each with two platinum lines and pierced platinum plug, tangs engraved with symmetrical foliage and each with back-sight, signed border engraved flat detented locks decorated with foliage, dolphin hammers en suite, safety-catches, figured half-stocks each with chequered rounded butt (minor burr loss to one side of the escutcheon), steel mounts including D-shaped trigger-guards each retaining traces of blueing and decorated with symmetrical scrolling foliage on the border engraved bow, trigger-plates each with foliate engraved pineapple-shaped finial, vacant silver escutcheons, barrel-bolt escutcheons and fore-end caps, set triggers, and original brass-mounted ramrods (threaded cap over each worm missing, steel parts with some old rust patination): in associated brass-mounted oak case fitted and lined in burgundy velvet with later brass-mounted powder-flask and bullet mould, the interior of the lid with reproduction maker's trade label, London proof marks 23.8 cm. barrelsFootnotes:Previously unrecordedThis lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A 25-Bore Flintlock Saw-Handled Duelling PistolBy J. Probin, Maker To His R.H. The Prince Of Wales, Circa 1815With slightly swamped rebrowned twist octagonal sighted barrel signed along the top flat and stamped 'Twisted' on the bottom flat, case-hardened breech with platinum line and platinum-lined touch-hole, border engraved tang decorated with foliage and with back-sight, signed case-hardened border engraved flat bevelled detented lock decorated with foliage at the stepped tail, 'French' cock en suite, engraved safety-catch, rainproof pan and roller, figured half-stock with characteristic spur (tip chipped) flat along the top and with chequered rounded butt, dark horn fore-end cap, blued steel trigger-guard with pineapple finial and engraved with foliage on the bow, the latter with engraved spur secured by two screws, adjustable set trigger, vacant silver escutcheon and barrel-bolt escutcheons, original brass-mounted ramrod, and much of its original finish, private Birmingham proof marks 23.5 cm. barrel Footnotes:The maker appears to be John 3 Probin. For more information see Brian Godwin, John Evans and David Williams, 'The Probin Gunmakers of 18th-Century Birmingham', Man At Arms, Vol. 38, No. 1, February 2016, pp. 14-23This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Rare Cased Pair Of Irish 40-Bore Flintlock Travelling Or Overcoat PistolsBy John Rigby, Dublin, Early 19th CenturyWith browned twist octagonal sighted barrels each engraved 'DUBLIN' along the top flat and engraved with a foliate line at the rear of the breech, gold-lined touch-holes, border engraved case-hardened tang decorated with foliage, signed border engraved case-hardened flat bevelled locks each with a starburst behind the pan and a petalled design on the stepped tail, foliate engraved cocks, blued safety-catches, and rollers each on a blued spring, figured full stocks with chequered rounded butts, the latter each with hinged border engraved blued steel cover along the back decorated with foliage, secured by a spring catch and opening to reveal three cavities for balls, silver butt-caps each engraved with a flower-head centred on the retaining screw, blued steel trigger-guards each with pineapple finial and decorated with foliage on the border engraved bow, stirrup ramrods, and retaining much of their original finish: in contemporary lined and fitted mahogany case with accessories including brass-mounted powder-flask in fair condition, the cap also forming a powder-measure, the exterior of the lid (minor old split and scratches) with circular vacant brass escutcheon centred on a flush-fitting circular brass carrying handle 9.7 cm. barrelsFootnotes:See footnote to proceeding lotThis lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Rare Cased Pair Of 38-Bore Flintlock Duelling Pistols By John Manton & Son, Dover Street, London, No. 6019 For 1813With rebrowned twist octagonal polygroove rifled barrels each with silver fore-sight and engraved with maker's address along the top flat, case-hardened recessed patent breeches each with platinum line, touch-hole and rectangular platinum-lined maker's stamp, border engraved tangs each finely decorated with a martial trophy and foliage, large blued back-sights, signed border engraved case-hardened flat detented locks decorated with foliage on the tail and each with blued safety-catch, engraved 'French' cock (both with old repair at the neck), rainproof pan, border engraved steel, and roller on a blued spring, lightly figured maple half-stock (one with minor old chip and slender split in the front of the lock) with chequered rounded butts, reblued steel mounts including spur trigger-guards each decorated with a martial trophy incorporating the serial number on the border engraved bow, trigger-plates each with pineapple finial, vacant silver escutcheons and barrel-bolt escutcheons, dark horn fore-end caps, and original brass-tipped ramrods (some areas of light rust patination): in original lined and fitted mahogany case with some accessories including brass-mounted three-way powder-flask retaining much of its original lacquered finish, the interior of the lid (minor moth damage) with maker's trade label for circa 1815-1820, the exterior with circular vacant brass escutcheon centred on a folding brass carrying handle 23.8 cm. barrels Footnotes:LiteratureW. Keith Neal & D.H.L. Back, The Manton Supplement, 1978, p. 58D.H.L. Back, Great British Gunmakers: The Mantons 1782-1878, 1993, pp. 41-42This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Fine Austrian 22-Bore Percussion Silver-Mounted Sporting GunMid-18th Century, Rebuilt From Flintlock In The Mid-19th Century, Probably VienneseWith barrel retaining some blueing and with raised sighting rib over most of its length, silver fore-sight centred on chiselled symmetrical foliage involving a shell on each side and against finely punched gilt grounds, the breech section chiselled in relief with a landscape scene involving Meleager armed with a quiver and presenting the boar's head to the seated figure of Atalanta, a female profile bust within a crowned palm wreath above surmounted by drapery issuing from a satyr's mask, all within symmetrical arrangements of strapwork and foliage against finely punched gilt grounds, breech and bolster, tang and dolphin hammer all decorated en suite, rounded lock chiselled with a sportsman shooting a hare in a landscape inhabited by wildfowl on a lake, all within a scalloped border and against finely punched gilt grounds, moulded figured full stock (replaced at the muzzle) carved in relief with foliage and involving a grotesque mask behind the barrel tang, full mounts cast and chased in low relief against finely punched gilt grounds and comprising shaped side-plate with gundogs and game in a wooded landscape, crowned escutcheon with a bust of Diana framed by strapwork and crossed palms, butt-plate with the figure of Diana in a landscape surmounted by a hound's mask, a female mask, a female portrait bust against a crossed bow and quiver, and a grotesque mask against a shell, drapery issuing from its mouth, all along the heel tang within foliate borders, the plate with a panel of symmetrical foliage and shells en suite, crowned owner's coat-of-arms above probably engraved at the time of conversion, and old armoury number 'No. 274' below, trigger-guard and rear ramrod-terminal en suite, the former with a hound and fallen boar in a wooden landscape on the bow, baluster ramrod-pipes, replacement dark horn fore-end cap, and contemporary ramrod with horn tip 96 cm. barrelFor further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Cased Pair Of 40-Bore Flintlock Duelling PistolsBy Mortimer, London, Early 19th CenturyWith octagonal sighted barrels (surface pitting) each with silver fore-sight and retaining some original browning on the bottom flats at the breech, case-hardened breeches each with rectangular gold-lined maker's stamp, two gold lines and platinum-lined touch-hole, sighted border engraved breeches each decorated with a globe and foliage, signed case-hardened flat bevelled locks each decorated with a starburst behind the semi-rainproof pan and with foliage on the stepped tail, engraved safety-catches and cocks, and rollers, figured half-stocks (some old bruising) each with dark horn fore-end cap and chequered rounded butt, blued steel trigger-guards each with pineapple finial and decorated with a martial trophy on the border engraved bow, blued turned ramrod-pipes, vacant silver escutcheons and barrel-bolt escutcheons, and original brass-mounted ramrods each with threaded tip over an iron worm and also forming a powder-measure: in earlier lined and fitted oak case (some wear to lining, keyhole escutcheon replaced) with a few accessories including brass-mounted three-way powder-flask covered in red leather (minor area of damage), the exterior with flush-fitting brass carrying handle, London proof marks 24.3 cm. barrelsThis lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
An 18-Bore Flintlock Belt Pistol, And A 50-Bore Flintlock Box-Lock Pistol The First 19th Century, The Second By Turvey, London, Late 18th CenturyThe first with rebrowned twist sighted barrel engraved 'London' along the sighting flat, breech recessed on one side and carrying a blued back-sight, foliate engraved tang, case-hardened border engraved flat lock decorated with a starburst behind the pan and a globe at the tail, engraved 'French' cock, safety-catch and roller, figured full stock with chequered rounded butt, border engraved steel mounts comprising ovoidal butt-cap with hinged circular butt-trap cover decorated with a flower-head, trigger-guard with foliate scrollwork on the bow, silver escutcheon engraved with owner's crest, belt hook, dark horn fore-end cap, and stirrup ramrod (barrel and lock refurbished), London proof marks; the second with turn-off cannon barrel (breech damaged), border engraved action (defective, cock and steel replaced, trigger and tang screw missing) signed on a foliate scroll over each side, engraved trigger-guard, figured swelling butt (old split) inlaid with silver wire scrollwork (some losses), and silver grotesque mask butt-cap (some wear and rust patination), London proof marks and Foreigner's mark (2)15.3 cm. and 6.6 cm. barrelsFootnotes:The crest is that of ClarkFor further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
An 18-Bore Flintlock D.B. Sporting GunBy John Manton, London, No. 3505 For 1800With rebrowned twist sighted barrels signed in gold on the rib, breeches engraved between and each with two gold lines and gold-lined touch-hole, border engraved tang (retaining screw replaced) decorated with foliage and with a starburst in the sighting groove, signed border engraved flat locks each decorated with a gundog and gamebird on the tail and with semi-rainproof pan and roller (one steel replaced), engraved cocks (one incomplete, retaining screw replaced), later figured half-stock (repaired in front of the right lock and chipped in front of the left) with chequered grip, engraved steel mounts (butt-plate tang worn, some light rust patination) including scroll trigger-guard decorated with a hare in a landscape on the border engraved bow, trigger-plate with pineapple finial (rear ramrod-pipe replaced), vacant silver escutcheon, and later ramrod, London proof marks 79.8 cm. barrels Footnotes:ProvenanceMessrs. Holland & HollandLiteratureW. Keith Neal & D.H.L. Back, The Manton Supplement, 1978, p. 44D.H.L. Back, Great British Gunmakers: The Mantons 1782-1878, 1993, p. 28For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A PAIR OF CHINESE FAMILLE ROSE 'MULAN' BOWLS PROBABLY REPUBLIC PERIOD Decorated with Hua Mulan disguised as a man and holding a bow, the reverse painted to imitate a mythical beast jade plaque, divided by two poetic inscriptions describing the heroine, all below a gilt rim, the base with a six character Daoguang seal mark in iron-red, 8.2cm. (2)
Loading...-
117861 item(s)/page