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LOT 1285
Cased Pair of Silver Mounted, Engraved, and Gold Inlaid McCormick of Belfast Flintlock Double Barrel
Carriage Pistols -A) McCormick Double Barrel Flintlock Pistol - NSN, 40 Bore cal., 6 7/8 inch solid rib bbl.,
brown/gold/casehardened/silver finish, walnut stock. This attractive pair of late 18th century flintlock pistols is
signed “MCormick” in script in gold ovals on each lock plate and “MCormick” and “Belfast” in script on top of the
barrels. Robert McCormick of Belfast took over his father John’s business in 1785 and moved to Dublin in 1794
and shortly thereafter moved to the United States and manufactured pistols under federal contracts in the late
1790s. Firearms from McCormick in Belfast are difficult to find. James Haslett, an employee of Robert McCormick,
was a noted gunmaker from Baltimore. The pistols feature smoothbore barrels with small brass blade front sights,
engraved gold bands at the breech ends, and gold lining at the touch holes. The standing breeches have large
grooved rear sights and primarily foliate engraving. The locks have gold lined priming pans, frizzen rollers, sliding
half-cock safeties, and foliate and scroll engraving. The mounts are silver and feature foliate, burst, and martial
motifs, including stylized pineapple finials on the trigger guards. The wrist escutcheons are blank. The stocks have
slab sided wrists. The pair comes in a marquetry case with a lid inlaid with contrasting woods creating borders
and shell/fan designs in the corners. The case contains a few accessories, including a combination flask, a ball
mold, and a rare japanned oval tin. The handle is inscribed “MR. F. JORDAN LIVERPOOL”. Francis Jordan was a
partner in the sugar-refining business of Francis Jordan & Co. on Rosemary Lane, Belfast, as early as 1792. After
the Rebellion of 1798, followed by allegations of ties to the United Irishmen in County Antrim, he moved
to Liverpool.
CONDITION: Fine with bright gold, gray and brown patina on the locks and barrels, light aged patina on the silver
mounts, distinct engraving and markings, and mild overall wear. The stock is also fine and has light dings and
scratches. The right safety is stuck back; otherwise, the pistol is mechanically excellent. The case is good with mild
wear including some chips as well as new lining inside the lid and absent upper lock section.
B) McCormick Double Barrel Flintlock Pistol - NSN, 40 Bore cal., 6 7/8 inch solid rib bbl., brown/gold/
casehardened/silver finish, walnut stock. See “A.”
CONDITION: Fine with bright gold, light aged patina on the silver mounts, some original brown finish on the left
barrel, gray and brown patina on the balance of the locks and barrels, some light oxidation/pitting, and mild wear.
The stock is also fine and has scattered light dings and scratches, a tiny worm hole, and fairly minor wear. The
right safety is somewhat sticky, but the pistol is mechanically excellent. This is a highly attractive pair of pistols
from a very well-known Irish and American gunmaker whose work from Belfast is rarely seen.
Provenance: The Norman R. Blank Collection.
Estimate: 8,500 - 12,000