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SIMILAR EXAMPLE PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK FORSYTH & CO.: PATENT GUNMAKERS BY NEAL & BACK
LOT 1279
Fine and Rare Cased Pair of Engraved Forsyth & Co. Percussion Dueling Pistols
-A) Forsyth & Co. Dueling Pistol - Serial no. 4227, 36 bore cal., 8 1/2 inch octagon bbl.,
brown/casehardened/blue/silver finish, walnut stock. This pair of dueling pistols from
Forsyth & Co. are very distinctive thanks to the “C” scroll design at the breeches. The serial
numbers date to 1838 per Neal and Back in “Forsyth & Co.: Patent Gunmakers,” and they are
two of just 30 guns manufactured that year. They are the same pattern as serial numbers
4168 and 4169 from c. 1837 shown in the book. The smoothbore, Damascus barrels have
fixed blade front sights, “-FORSYTH & CO. PATENT. LONDON.-” signed on top, and dovetailed
notch rear sights. The breeches have pierced platinum plugs and dual platinum bands. The
back action locks are also signed “-FORSYTH & Co. PATENT” and have sliding safeties and
ornate scroll engraving. The engraving continues onto the furniture, including the spurred
trigger guards. The serial numbers are on the trigger guard tangs. The pistols have London
proof and view marks. The stocks have checkered wrists and flared pommels with starburst
pattern engraved silver caps. The silver wrist escutcheons and brass case lid escutcheon are inscribed with a lion statant guardant over the cap of maintenance. The inside of the case has a Forsyth & Co. trade label, and the case also contains loading and cleaning rods, an interesting adjustable C. & J.W. Hawksley powder measure, and a red Moroccan leather wrapped three-way powder flask.
CONDITION: Fine with most of the refurbished brown finish remaining along with distinct Damascus patterns along the barrel, bright platinum and silver, 70% original blue finish, gray and brown patina on the balance, and generally minor age and storage related wear. The stock is fine and has crisp checkering, minor dings and scratches, and smooth finish. Mechanically excellent. The case and accessories are very good with mild wear.
B) Forsyth & Co. Dueling Pistol - Serial no. 4228, 36 bore cal., 8 1/2 inch octagon bbl., brown/casehardened/blue/silver finish, walnut stock. See “A.” CONDITION: Very good with most of the refurbished brown finish and distinct Damascus patterns on the barrel, bright silver and platinum, 85% plus
original blue finish, traces of original case colors, smooth gray patina on the balance, and generally minor overall wear. The stock is fine and has crisp checkering, minor dings and scratches, and minor wear. Mechanically excellent. This is a very attractive and rare pair of Forsyth & Co. percussion
dueling pistols.
Estimate: 10,000 - 15,000
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