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LOT 528
Desirable Finely Engraved Wilkinson Side Lever Double Barrel “Howdah” Pistol
- Serial no. 8094, 577 cal., 6 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut grips. Manufactured c. mid-1870s-1880s. This pistol has rifled barrels, a brass beaded post front sight on the concave rib which is signed “WILKINSON, PALL MALL, LONDON.”, London proofs, silver wedge escutcheons, “WILKINSON/PALL MALL/LONDON” signed in a banner on each back action lock, rebounding hammers, English style floral engraving, lanyard ring on the pommel cap, and checkered wrist. These pistols were incredibly popular with the upper class and officers of the British Empire for protection while visiting or stationed in India and Africa. The pistols provided a larger amount of firepower power than almost all revolvers of the time, capable of stopping even the most determined man or beast in their tracks. CONDITION: Very fine, retains 70% of the original blue finish and 80% of the vibrant original case colors with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth grey patina and a small patch of course brown oxidation at the bottom of the front strap. The grip is also very fine with a few scattered light handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500
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