Page 273 - 88-BOOK2

LOT 1280
Cased Pair of Engraved H.W. Mortimer & Co. Percussion Conversion Rifled
Dueling Pistols -A) H.W. Mortimer & Co. Dueling Pistol - NSN, 20 bore cal.,
9 inch octagon bbl., brown/blue finish, walnut stock. These fascinating pistols
were originally manufactured as flintlocks c. 1790-1800 and were then expertly
converted to percussion, likely around the 1830s. The barrels feature fine “micro-
groove” rifling, fine dovetailed blade front sights, faint traces of prior sight
dovetails, “MORTIMER & Co LONDON/MAKERS TO HIS MAJESTY” on the breech
sections, and bolsters/patent breeches marked “1” and “2” as are the standing
breeches which have fixed notch rear sights and floral engraving. The locks have
faint traces of having been originally flintlock and have floral engraving, “H.W.
Mortimer/& Co” in ornate script, and sliding safeties. The locks are fired using adjustable single set triggers. The triggers are contained by spurred trigger guards featuring the classic pineapple finials and classical martial trophies engraved on the bows. The full-length stocks have checkered wrists and carved pommels. The mahogany case has “EL” inscribed on the lid escutcheon and has a closely fitted interior holding the pistols, loading and cleaning rods, a knapping hammer, mallet, oiler, ball worm, cap container, combination screwdriver/nipple wrench, nipple wrench, ball mold, and key.
CONDITION: Fine as period converted to percussion with mottled gray patina on the barrel, mix of niter blue and straw colors on the breech and lock, strong niter blue on some of the small parts, 60% of the period refinished blue finish on the furniture, traces of minor oxidation/pitting, and generally minor age and storage related wear. The stock is very fine and has crisp checkering and carving and minor handling and storage marks. Mechanically excellent. The case and accessories are fine with generally light age and storage related wear, including some faint cracks in the lid and mild wear on the lining. B) H.W. Mortimer & Co. Dueling Pistol - NSN, 20 bore cal., 9 inch octagon bbl., brown/blue finish, walnut stock. See “A.”
CONDITION: Fine as period converted to percussion with mottled gray patina on the barrel, mix of niter blue and straw colors on the breech and lock, strong niter blue on some of the small parts, 75% of the period refinished blue finish on the furniture, traces of minor oxidation/pitting mainly on the barrel, and generally minor age and storage related wear. The stock is also fine and has crisp checkering and carving, repaired cracks on the left at the front wedge and at the tip, and mild dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000
LOT 1281
Cased Pair of Engraved Contriner of Vienna Percussion Dueling Pistols -A) Contriner Dueling Pistol - NSN, 56 cal., 8 3/8 inch octagon bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. These c. 1840s pistols are signed “CONTRINER IN WIEN” on the top of the barrels and are likely by Carl Contriner. The rifled barrels also feature border engraving and dovetailed blade front sights. The upper tangs feature the notch rear sights. The locks and furniture have scroll and floral engraving. The trigger guards are spurred. The stocks have checkered wrists, flared pommels with decorative carving, and horn forend caps. The inside of the forend of the first pistol is marked “A.I. MC CROSKIE” in pencil. The pair comes in a closely fitted hardwood case with a suite of accessories, including a powder flask, casehardened ball mold, screwdriver, cleaning rod, powder measure, and combination screwdriver/nipple wrench. CONDITION: Very good with a mostly bright barrel, dark gray patina on the lock and furniture, some minor pitting, and mild overall wear. The stock is also very good and has distinct checkering, repaired forend cap, some thin cracks, and minor scratches and dings. Mechanically fine. The case and accessories are fine and have minor age and storage related wear mainly on the case exterior. B) Contriner Dueling Pistol - NSN, 56 cal., 8 3/8 inch octagon bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. See “A.” CONDITION: Very good with mostly bright barrel, dark gray patina on the lock and furniture, crisp engraving, some minor oxidation and pitting, and general mild wear. The stock is also very and has some cracks and chips by the lock mortise, crisp checkering, and minor scratches and dings. Mechanically fine.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500 271