Page 246 - 4094-BOOK2

244
LOT 1269
Cased Engraved
Boston of Wakefield
Large Caliber Percussion
Pepperbox Revolver - NSN, 52 cal., 3 3/8 inch fluted bbl., blue/
casehardened finish, walnut grips. This pepperbox from gunmaker
John Boston of Wakefield, West Yorkshire, England, c. 1830s-1850s
features a large casehardened six-shot cylinder with smooth bores
measuring .52 caliber. The cylinder has a band of engraving at the
muzzles, the chambers numbered “1” through “6” and London proof marks.
The blued action is scroll engraved and is signed “BOSTON/WAKEFIELD” on the left side.
The checkered walnut grip has a blank German silver escutcheon and a casehardened
cap with a small compartment containing a lead ball. The revolver comes in a fitted brass
cornered hardwood case with a “BROTN BOSTON/Wood Street/WAKEFIELD/Manufacturer
of/Double & Single Barrel Guns, Pistols, Air Guns &c.” trade label along with a combination
36 bore ball mold and loading rod, cap tin, oiler, screwdriver, wrench, key, two-way flask,
and balls.
CONDITION: Fine with 50% original case colors mixed with dark patina, 70% original blue
on the left side plate and traces of blue mixed with dark brown patina on the balance
of the action, distinct engraving and markings, minor oxidation, and general minor age
and storage related wear. The grip is also fine and has minor wear on the otherwise crisp
checkering, a couple of very slight flakes at the edges, and minor scratches. Mechanically fine. The case and accessories are also fine and have age and storage related wear. Overall, a very impressive British pepperbox.
Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000
LOT 1268
Exceptional Cased Engraved
Wilkinson & Son “Improved
Revolving Pistol” Percussion
Pepperbox - NSN, 42 cal., 3 1/2 inch
fluted bbl., casehardened/German silver/
blue finish, walnut grips. This c. 1840 German silver frame six-shot pepperbox
is signed “WILKINSON & SON/PALL MALL/LONDON” on the left and “IMPROVED/
REVOLVING PISTOL” on the right and has very fine scroll and border engraving that
extends to the bar hammer and other mounts. The casehardened barrel cluster has
Birmingham proof marks and the barrels numbered 1 through 6. The frame has a sliding
hammer stall/safety. The figured walnut grips have a high polish varnish finish. The gun
comes in an attractive mahogany case with a folding handle on the lid, James Wilkinson &
Son trade label inside the lid, green baize lining, tow, cap tin, three-way combination flask,
ball mold, balls, and a loading rod with powder measure.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine with bright German silver frame, 70% original case colors,
60% plus original blue finish, crisp markings and engraving, slight spots of oxidation, and
minor wear. The grips are very fine with light warping visible on the top left panel, and
minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent. The case and accessories are fine with mostly
only minor age and storage related wear. Overall, this is a very lovely cased set and an
exceptionally high condition and deluxe example of the classic English pepperbox revolver.
Estimate: 4,500 - 7,000