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LOT 3299
Cased Pair of Engraved and Silver Mounted S. Smith & Co. Percussion
Dueling Pistols -A) S. Smith & Co. Dueling Pistol - Serial no. 3348, 50 cal.,
9 1/2 inch octagon bbl., brown/casehardened/blue/silver finish, walnut stock.
Samuel Smith took over his father William Smith’s business in 1825 and ran
it as S. Smith & Co. until 1834 when his brother Charles joined the company
and it became Samuel & Charles Smith. This pair of c. 1830 pistols features
fairly heavy Damascus barrels with partially concealed rifled bores (appear
smooth at the muzzles), dovetailed blade front sights, “S. Smith & Co. Princes
Street London” in script on the top flats, and casehardened breech plugs
with dovetailed notch rear sights and platinum plugs and bands. The locks
are also signed “S SMITH & Co/PRINCES ST LONDON”, and the locks, trigger
guards, and single set trigger plates have scroll, floral and martial engraving.
The matching serial number “3348” is marked on the barrels, forends, and
trigger guards. The forend caps, wedge escutcheons, and wrist escutcheons
are silver. The wrist escutcheons are engraved with a griffin head over a torse.
The figured walnut half-length stocks have checkered bag shaped wrists. The
ramrods have horn tips. The tail end of the first ramrod has a covered worm,
and the second ramrod has a measure. The pair comes in a hardwood case.
CONDITION: Very fine with distinct engraving and markings, 60% of the
original brown finish and distinct Damascus patterns on the barrel, light
original case colors, 75% plus original blue finish, and attractively aged patina
on the silver. The stock is also very fine and has crisp checkering, attractive
figure, glossy varnish, and light scratches. Mechanically fine. The case is fair
with cracks and pieces separated.
B) S. Smith & Co. Dueling Pistol - Serial no. 3348, 50 cal., 9 1/2 inch octagon
bbl., brown/casehardened/blue/silver finish, walnut stock. See “A.”
CONDITION: Very fine with distinct engraving and markings, 50% original brown finish and distinct Damascus patterns along
the barrel, light original case colors, attractively aged patina on the silver mounts, 75% plus original blue finish, and minor
oxidation. The stock is also very fine and has crisp checkering, attractive figure, and mild dings and scratches mostly by the lock
screw and wedge. Mechanically fine. Overall, a very attractive pair of classic English percussion dueling pistols.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
LOT 3300
Pair of Engraved Alexander Thomson Percussion Belt Pistols with 1866 Presentation Inscribed Case
-A) Alexander Thomson Belt Pistol - NSN, 50 cal., 4 1/4 inch octagon bbl., casehardened finish, walnut grips. Alexander
Thomson’s business in Edinburgh was established in 1820. In 1863, the business was changed to Alexander Thomson & Son. The smoothbore barrels have post
front sights and “ALEXR THOMSON EDINBURGH.” signed on the top flats, and Birmingham proofs on the lower left. The pistols also feature notch rear sights at the breech, scroll and border
and engraving, swivel mounted ramrods, nitre blued belt hooks, and finely checkered grips with compartments in the pommel caps. The silver wrist escutcheons are inscribed “HH”. The
pistols come in a mahogany case with brass corners. The case lid escutcheon is inscribed “FROM./W.H.R./TO/C.M./March 16th 1866.” The interior is closely fitted and has dark blue baize lining,
a loading/cleaning rod, ball mold, powder flask, and nipple wrench. Unfortunately, the people involved in the presentation are not recorded.
CONDITION: Very fine with 75% plus original casehardened and nitre blue finish, smooth gray patina on the balance, and crisp markings and
engraving. The grip is also very fine and has small spots of wear in the otherwise crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The flask is good
and has several dents. The case and other accessories are very fine and has minor age and storage related wear.
B) Alexander Thomson Belt Pistol - NSN, 50 cal., 4 1/4 inch octagon bbl., casehardened finish,
walnut grips. See “A.”
CONDITION: Very fine with 85% plus original casehardened and nitre blue finish, and crisp engraving and markings.
The grip is also very fine and has minor wear spots in the otherwise crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 2,750 - 4,250 217