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LOT 3326
Attractive Cased Pair of Engraved and Silver Inlaid W. & J. Rigby Percussion Pocket Pistols
-A) Rigby Pocket Pistol - Serial no. 8083, 44 Bore cal., 4 1/2 inch octagon bbl., brown/casehardened/ silver/blue finish, walnut stock. This pair of pistols is identified by serial numbers on page 81 of “Great Irish Gunmakers: Messrs Rigby 1760-1869” by D.H.L. Back as 44 bore “second best pistols” with 5 inch barrels (length including the breech plugs) sold to a Mr. Blakeney. The pistols have smoothbore, textured Damascus barrels with dovetailed blade front sights and “W & I RIGBY DUBLIN” on top, swivel mounted ramrods, “8083” (A) and “8084” (B) on the underside of the breech plugs and barrels followed by “R-237” (A) and “R-238” on the barrels respectively, the serial numbers repeated on the forends, platinum banded breech plugs with pierced platinum plugs, dovetailed notch rear sights on the standing breeches, scroll and border engraving, “W & I RIGBY” signed back action locks, silver oval wedge escutcheons, additional silver wrist and pommel escutcheons, small circular trigger guards, and checkered wrists. The pair comes in a fitted case with a William & John Rigby trade label inside the lid and a variety of loading and maintenance equipment, including a large “WM & JNO RIGBY’S/ IMPROVED/ANTICORROSIVE/COPPER CAPS/DUBLIN” marked tin, nipple wrench, screwdriver, “No 46” marked ball mold, oiler, key, small powder flask, elongated tin, balls, and a combination mallet/loading
and cleaning rod.
CONDITION: Very good with mostly dark gray patina overall on the iron, some mild oxidation, aged patina on the silver, and general mild overall wear. The stock is fine and has distinct checkering and light wear, including
a few dings and some light scratches. Mechanically fine. The case and accessories are very good with moderate storage wear on the case, including some cracks and glued repairs, and mild wear from use and age overall.
B) Rigby Pocket Pistol - Serial no. 8084, 44 Bore cal., 4 1/2 inch octagon bbl., brown/casehardened/silver/blue finish, walnut stock.
CONDITION: Very good with generally dark gray patina on the iron overall, spots of oxidation/pitting, attractive aged patina on the silver, and general mild overall wear. The stock is fine and has distinct checkering and several dings and scratches. Mechanically fine.
Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500
LOT 3327
Finely Engraved Pair of William & John Rigby Sidehammer Boxlock Percussion Pocket Pistols
-A) W. & J. Rigby Pocket Pistol - Serial no. 9526, 40 Bore cal., 2 3/8 inch octagon bbl., casehardened/blue finish,
walnut grips. This pair of pistols are recorded in D.H.L. Back, “Great Irish Gunmakers: Messrs. Rigby 1760-1869”, p. 104
as a “pair of backwork pistols with trap handles” made in 1845 for an R. Phillips. With etched Damascus octagonal
barrels with smooth bores, a blade front sight and inscribed “Dublin” on the top of each barrel, swivel-mounted
ramrods, and the serial numbers stamped on the lower left flats. The casehardened boxlock actions have pierced
platinum plugs, scroll and border engraving, notch rear sights, “Wm & Jn Rigby” signed in banners on the left sides,
and the serial numbers on the lower tangs. The back straps are blued hinged compartment lids covering cavities for holding balls and caps. The bag-shaped walnut grips are finely checkered.
CONDITION: Fine with light original case colors, 75% original blue finish on the compartment lid, distinct Damascus patterns on the barrel, crisp engraving and markings, and mostly gray and brown patina. The grip is also fine and has
mild wear on the otherwise distinct checkering and some light dings and scratches. Mechanically fine.
B) W. & J. Rigby Pocket Pistol - Serial no. 9527, 40 Bore cal., 2 3/8 inch octagon bbl., casehardened/blue finish,
walnut grips.
CONDITION: Fine with strong original case colors at the breech, lighter case colors elsewhere, 75% plus original
blue on the compartment lid, distinct Damascus patterns along the barrel, crisp markings and engraving, and gray
and brown patina. The grip is also fine and has mild wear on the otherwise crisp checkering and mild dings and
scratches. Mechanically excellent. This is an excellent opportunity to add a classic pair of Irish pocket pistols from the legendary Rigby shop to your collection.
Provenance: The Norman R. Blank Collection.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500 199