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LOT 3298
Exceptional Presentation Cased Pair of Percussion Dueling Pistols -A) Percussion Dueling Pistol - NSN, 44
cal., 10 3/8 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened/nitre blue finish, checkered walnut stock. This pair of percussion
dueling pistols from the mid-19th century have no visible identifying markings; however, the underside of the
barrels have Liege provisional proofs and “10.0”. Pistols of this style were produced in both France and Liege.
The barrel tenons are lightly inscribed “12044.” “JNI” is marked on the inside of the forends, a common marking
on high quality dueling pistols in this period and believed to indicate work by a talented but currently unknown
stockmaker. The pistols have octagonal barrels with fluted midsections, six-groove rifling, and dovetailed blade
front sights. The casehardened breech plugs and standing breeches are numbered “1” on the first pistol and “2”
on the second pistol, and the standing breeches also featured the large fixed notch rear sights. The pistols are
fitted with adjustable single triggers and spur trigger guards. The figured walnut stocks have finely checkered
grips and elaborate casehardened pommel caps with spire shaped finials and a small nitre blue plaque inlaid on
the left stock flats. The flat locks and some of the mounts have light border engraving. The mahogany case has an
inlaid brass plate on the cover and a green baize lined interior closely fit to the pistols and the accessories, which
include: a carved mahogany cap box, loading and cleaning rods, a casehardened ball mold with sprue cutter,
combination screwdriver and nipple wrench, carved ebony oil bottle, and key.
CONDITION: Excellent. The pistol retains 95% casehardened, blue, and nitre blue finishes on the mounts with a
slight spot of finish wear inside the trigger guard and 85% plus of the lightly toned original blue finish on the
barrel. It otherwise only displays faint age and handling related wear. The stock is excellent and has minimal
handling and storage wear and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The case exterior is fine with a crack
in the upper left corner of the lid, minor separation, scratches, and marks. The case interior and accessories are
very fine and have minimal age and storage related wear mostly limited to some contact marks on the lining.
B) Percussion Dueling Pistol - NSN, 44 cal., 10 3/8 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened/nitre blue finish,
checkered walnut stock. See “A.”
CONDITION: Excellent. The pistol retains 95% of the original casehardened, blue, and nitre blue finishes on the
mounts and 90% plus of the now plum toned original blue finish on the barrel, and it exhibits only minor age
and handling related wear. The stock is also excellent and has minimal handling and storage wear and crisp
checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 8,000 - 13,000
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