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LOT 1278
Outstanding Cased Pair of Thomas Mortimer Flintlock Traveling Pistols -A) T. Mortimer Traveling Pistol - NSN, 18 Bore cal., 7 inch octagon bbl., brown/casehardened/blue finish, walnut stock. The Mortimer family remain among the most renowned English families of arms makers
from the late flintlock and early percussion era. Pistols like these were commonly owned by English gentlemen for self-defense while they were traveling to defend against highwaymen and other threats. They are larger than the pocket and coat pistols of the day but still smaller and easier to store and carry than a full-sized pair of holster/horse pistols. At around .64 caliber, these pistols would have been “manstoppers.” The swivel mounted ramrods were ideal since they would not be dropped or lost. This pair was manufactured c. 1816-1824. The Birmingham proofed Damascus barrels are smoothbore with blade front sights and “LONDON” signed on the top flats, and platinum bands and liners at the breech. Swivel mounted ramrods are fitted to the barrels. The casehardened upper tangs incorporate notch rear sights and have floral engraving. The locks are signed “T-MORTIMER” and
have semi-waterproof pans, frizzen spring rollers, scroll and martial engraving, and sliding half-cock safeties. The ramrod pipes and trigger guards are blued and feature floral and martial engraving, and the trigger guards have pineapple style finials. The stocks have checkered wrists, horn forend caps, and silver wedge escutcheons. The pair comes in a fitted case with a Thomas Mortimer trade label inside the lid and a suite of accessories, including a loading and cleaning rod, several lead balls, three-compartment flask, “24” marked casehardened ball mold, and a screwdriver.
CONDITION: Excellent overall. The pistol is essentially in near mint condition with minor handling and storage marks on the metal and stock, some minor pitting near the platinum plug at the breech, and mild scrapes on the frizzen. Mechanically excellent. The case is very fine and has a minor crack in the lid, some small chips, and general minor wear. Aside from a missing spring from the flask, the accessories are also very fine. B) T. Mortimer Traveling Pistol - NSN, 18 Bore cal., 7 inch octagon bbl., brown/casehardened/blue finish, walnut stock. See “A.”
CONDITION: Excellent. The pistol is in near mint condition with minor handling and storage marks on the metal and stock, minor pitting by the vent, and minor scrapes on the frizzen. Mechanically excellent. This truly a stunning pair of cased English traveling pistols.
Provenance: The Mac McCroskie Collection.
Estimate: 9,500 - 14,000