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LOT 310
Cased Pair of Mortimer & Son Percussion Double Barrel “Howdah Pistols” Identified as Owned by Sgt. Major Robert Kirkwood of New Zealand -A) Mortimer & Son Double Barrel Pistol - Serial no. 6293, 68 cal., 7 3/8 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Per information provided by the consignor, this pair of pistols was manufactured in 1860-1862 by Thomas A.C. Mortimer & Son. and purchased by Sergeant Major Robert Kirkwood of the 3rd Waikato Militia and the Cambridge, New Zealand, Volunteer Cavalry. The latter is identified as an early settler of New Zealand who fought in the New Zealand Wars in the 1860s. The pistols have rifled Damascus barrels (appears to be straight rifling), bead front sights, pierced platinum plugs, “MORIMER & SON” signed on the outer locks (right of “A” and
left of “B”), belt hooks on the inner locks (left of “A” and right of “B”), border engraving, sliding safeties, captive ramrods, the serial numbers on the trigger guard tangs, horn forend caps, and checkered wrists. They come in a oak case with an original “MORTIMER & SON RIFLE GUNS & PISTOL MAKERS” trade label noting them as winning a prize medal at the Great Exhibition of 1851, balls, cap tins, a loading rod with removable mallet head, powder flask, measure, 14 bore mold,
interlocking screwdriver/nipple wrench set, oilers, key and brush. The case also includes a modern pair of straps.
CONDITION: Very good plus with distinct Damascus patterns visible
on the barrels, traces of original case colors mainly on the left lock, mostly gray and light brown patina on the locks and furniture, and mild overall wear including some faint pitting. The stock is also very good and has crisp checkering, light scratches and dings, a small crack by the wedge on the left, and some nice grain and figure. Mechanically fine. The case is also very good with moderate age and storage related wear, refinished exterior, some cracks and tears, and tape over a hole on top. The accessories are mostly very good with mild wear.
B) Mortimer & Son Double Barrel Pistol - Serial no. 6294, 68 cal., 7 3/8 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. See “A.” CONDITION: Very good plus with distinct Damascus patterns visible along the barrel, mild pitting, traces of original case colors on the locks and standing breech, gray and brown patina on the balance, and generally mild overall wear. The stock is also very good and has crisp checkering, and some light scratches and dings. Safeties stuck; otherwise, mechanically fine.
Estimate: 7,500 - 12,000
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