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LOT 1313
Historic and Extraordinary Presentation Cased, Engraved, and Silver Inlaid Percussion Belt Pistols by Thomas Elsworth Mortimer with Inscriptions to John W. Orr from the Masters in the Scottish Naval & Military Academy in 1849
-A) T.E. Mortimer Percussion Belt Pistol - NSN, 58 cal., 7 5/8 inch octagon bbl., brown/casehardened/blue/ silver finish, walnut stock. The smoothbore browned Damascus barrels are fitted with dovetailed blued blade front sights, captive ramrods, and signed “T.E.M. EDINBURGH.” The breeches, flat locks, and furniture are scroll
and border engraved. A blued belt hook is fitted to each pistol. The varnished walnut stocks have dark horn forend caps, silver wedge escutcheons, checkered wrists, and ornate silver shield-shaped escutcheons inscribed “Presented/TO/Mr. John W. Orr/By the MASTERS of the/Scottish/NAVL & MILY ACADEMY/1849” in the center, “Thos. Compton./Geo. Lees./J. Mackie./F. Senebier./G. Surenne.” on the left, and “W. Graham./D. Liston./Geo. Roland./
Geo. Simson/Jas. Trotter.” on the right. The pair is contained in their original fitted oak case with Thomas Elsworth Mortimer trade label, purple velvet lining, and loading and maintenance equipment, including a loading/ cleaning rod with covered worm and jag attachment, tampions, T.E. Mortimer cap tin, nipple wrench with pick, punch, screwdriver, three-way combination flask, cylinder with spare nipples, “WD” and “No 17” marked ball mold, balls, and key. The case lid escutcheon is inscribed “JWO”, and the plaque inside the lid is inscribed “A FAREWELL EXPRESSION OF REGARD/FROM/THE MASTERS IN THE/Scottish Naval and Military Academy/TO/Mr. John W. Orr./ On the Completion of his Course of Study/AT THAT ESTABLISHMENT”.
The inscribed silver wrist inlays and case plaque indicate the pair was presented to John W. Orr by the masters of
the Scottish Naval & Military Academy in Edinburgh for his graduation from the academy in 1849. Captain John Orr (1790-1879) was the superintendent of the academy when the set was presented to his son in 1849. Captain Orr was a veteran officer who fought in the Peninsular War and was severely wounded in the leg while fighting in the 42nd Highlanders (Black Watch) at the Battle of Waterloo. John William Orr (1829-1916) was his second
son and studied at the academy and then moved through the ranks in the Indian Army from ensign in the 19th Madras Native Infantry in 1850 to lieutenant colonel by 1876 and major general in 1890. He served in the Second Burmese War in 1852-1853 and Indian Mutiny of 1857. His elder brother, James, also served in the Indian Army and became a major general.
CONDITION: Very fine overall with nearly all of the re-browned finish and distinct Damascus twist patterns,
most of the fading original case colors, 70% original blue, polished silver with light patina, crisp engraving and markings, minor pitting, and general age and storage related wear. The stock has crisp checkering and a few minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. The case and accessories are very good and have age and storage related wear, a separated seam on the flask, pitting on the mold and punch, and some
loose or repaired dividers.
B) T.E. Mortimer Percussion Belt Pistol - NSN, 58 cal., 7 5/8 inch octagon bbl., brown/casehardened/blue/silver finish, walnut stock.
CONDITION: Very fine overall with nearly all of the re-browned finish and distinct Damascus twist patterns,
much of the fading original case colors, 60% original blue, polished silver with light patina, crisp engraving and markings, spots of minor pitting, and general age and storage related wear. The stock has crisp checkering and light dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 15,000 - 20,000
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