Page 191 - 88-BOOK3

LOT 3292
Cased Pair of Engraved and Etched German Silver Saw Handle Percussion
Belt Pistols
-A) Percussion Belt
Pistol - NSN, 48 cal.,
5 3/8 inch octagon
bbl., gold/niter
blue/German silver
finish, metal stock.
The smoothbore
barrels have gold washed scroll and border etching with niter blue backgrounds, “Manton Patent London” marked on the top flats, and Indian calligraphic markings that appear to refer to Jaipur and Birmingham proofs on the lower left flats. The underibs host swivel mounted ramrods. The German silver actions/stocks have scroll engraving and spurred trigger guards. Niter blued belt hooks are fitted on the left side of the actions. The pair comes in a fitted hardwood case with a German silver powder flask, cap tin, key, and rods. These pistols were probably retailed by Manton & Co. in Calcutta where they were established starting in the 1820s.
CONDITION: Fine with light aged patina and crisp engraving on the German silver, 60% of the bright niter blue finish on the belt hook and hammer, strong flashes of the original gold highlights, mild oxidation and pitting, and mostly age and storage related wear. Mechanically excellent. The case is fair and has moderate age and storage related wear, most notably the deteriorated middle dividers. The flask is also fine and has minor wear. B) Percussion Belt Pistol - NSN, 48 cal., 5 3/8 inch octagon bbl., gold/niter blue/German silver finish, metal stock. See “A.”
CONDITION: Fine with light aged patina and crisp engraving on the German silver, 75% of the bright niter blue finish remaining on the hammer and belt hook, mostly gray and brown patina on the barrel along with some mild pitting, and generally mild overall wear. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 4,500 - 7,000
LOT 3293
Cased Pair of Engraved German Silver Barreled and
Mounted English Saw Handle Percussion Pistols
-A) English Percussion Pistol - NSN, 45 cal., 9 3/8 inch octagon
bbl., bright/niter blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. These very distinctive pistols have rare German silver barrels with extensive
scroll engraving, “London” on top, Birmingham proofs on the bottoms
along with “HM” (both) and “WI” (pistol “A”), and swivel mounted
ramrods. The niter blue breech plugs are German silver banded,
and the furniture is also German silver. The locks are casehardened.
The locks and furniture also feature scroll and floral engraving. The
pommel caps include small compartments. The stocks are an unusual variation of the “saw handle” design with a long projection at the
top and a curved grip similar to a birdshead grip. The pair comes in a
fitted hardwood case with purple lining, a powder flask, loading and cleaning rods, and a large cap tin.
CONDITION: Very good with lightly aged patina on the German silver,
strong niter blue on the breech plug, traces of case colors and gray
and brown patina on the lock, minor oxidation, and general mild age
and storage related wear. The stock is fine and has crisp checkering,
some scratches and dings, and smooth finish. Mechanically fine. The
case is good and has mild age and storage related wear, including
some chips and cracks.
B) English Percussion Pistol - NSN, 45 cal., 9 3/8 inch octagon bbl.,
German silver/niter blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. See “A.” CONDITION: Fine with lightly aged patina on the German silver,
distinct engraving, light niter blue on the breech plug, traces of case colors and gray and brown patina on the lock, minor oxidation mainly at the nipple, and general mild age and storage related wear. The stock is also fine and
has crisp checkering, some scratches and dings, and smooth finish. Mechanically fine.
Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000
189