Page 246 - 89-FLIPBOOK2

244
LOT 1268
Cased Engraved Pair of Beckwith Percussion Conversion Sawhandle Belt Pistols -A) Beckwith Belt Pistol - NSN, 28 bore/.54 cal., 5 1/2 inch octagon bbl., brown/casehardened/ blue/silver finish, walnut stock. William Andrew Beckwith was active c. 1801-1841, and his wife and son kept the shop open until 1868. These pistols were likely manufactured in the early 19th century and were then professionally converted in the 1830s or 1840s. The breech plugs are signed “Baker/London” and have platinum plugs in the nicely shaped bolsters. The smoothbore, Damascus barrels have “Beckwith London” signed on top in ornate script, fixed blade front sights, and swivel mounted ramrods. The locks are signed “Beckwith” in fancy script and have very fine scroll, border, and martial engraving patterns along with stepped tails and sliding safeties. The wedge escutcheons are silver. The spurred trigger guards have pineapple finials and classical martial and border engraving on the bows. The distinctive sawhandle stocks have checkered wrists. The pair comes in a fitted hardwood case with a W.A. Beckwith trade label c. 1810 inside showing Beckwith’s design for a self-priming percussion lock, a cleaning rod, key, balls, nipple wrench, “ES” and “34” marked ball mold (34 bore = .515 caliber), three-compartment powder flask, and patches. The case lid escutcheon is engraved with a garter inscribed “AUT VINCERE AUT MORI” (either victory or death) around a griffin head with “WSPM” inscribed below. The motto has been used by various families, including the McCabe family of Ireland who also used a demi-griffin sergeant as their crest. Although he does not appear to have a second middle name, William Putnam McCabe otherwise matches the initials. He was a significant figure within the revolutionary Society of United Irishmen. CONDITION: Very fine with 80% plus original finish, crisp markings and engraving, distinct Damascus patterns along the barrel, dark aged patina on the silver, and generally minor age and storage related wear. Aside from a repaired crack along the upper right edge of the forend, the stock is also very fine and has crisp checkering and light scratches and dings. Mechanically excellent. B) Beckwith Belt Pistol - NSN, 28 bore/.54 cal., 5 1/2 inch octagon bbl., brown/casehardened/blue/silver finish, walnut stock. See “A.” CONDITION: Very fine with 85% plus original finish, distinct Damascus twist patterns, crisp engraving and markings, minor oxidation, and generally light age and storage related wear. The stock is also very fine and has crisp checkering, minor dings and scratches, and some contact wear on the left from resting in the case. Mechanically excellent. Overall, this is a very attractive and interesting cased set. Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500 LOT 1269 Cased Pair of Engraved English Back Action Percussion Pistols -A) Egg Marked Percussion Pistol - NSN, 53 cal., 8 3/8 inch octagon bbl., brown/casehardened/blue/German silver finish, walnut stock. This pair of smoothbore pistols features Damascus barrels with bead front sights, Birmingham proofs on the bottom flats, and casehardened breech plugs signed “LONDON” in banners on top and scroll engraved. The standing breeches feature the rear sights and further scroll engraving. The back action locks are marked “EGG” and have scroll, floral, and border engraving. The blued trigger guards also have coordinating engraving and enclose adjustable single set triggers. The forend caps, wedge escutcheons, and oval wrist escutcheons are German silver. The half-length stocks have finely checkered wrists and a bag shaped profile. The pair comes in a fitted hardwood case with a “No 35” marked ball mold (35 bore/.51 caliber), combination screwdriver, nipple wrench with threaded pick, Hawksley powder flask, mallet shaped loading rod with covered ball worm, balls, jag fitting, and cap tin. CONDITION: Very fine with 85% plus original brown finish and distinct Damascus patterns along the barrel, a couple patches of mild pitting on the left side of the barrel, 85% plus original case colors, 70% original blue finish, crisp engraving and markings, light aged patina on the furniture, and mostly only minor age and storage related wear. The stock is also very fine and has a few spots of wear in the otherwise crisp checkering, minor marks and scratches, and most of the glossy finish. Mechanically excellent. The case and accessories are very good and have mild age and storage related wear, including some cracks in the case lid. B) Egg Marked Percussion Pistol - NSN, 53 cal., 8 3/8 inch octagon bbl., brown/casehardened/blue/German silver finish, walnut stock. As described in “A”. CONDITION: Very fine with 80% original brown finish and distinct Damascus twist patterns along the barrel, a patch of mild pitting on the left by the forend cap, 50% original case colors, light aged patina on the German silver, 40% original blue finish concentrated inside the trigger guard bow and on the ramrod entry pipe, and general minor age and storage related wear. The stock is also very fine and has crisp checkering, nearly all of the glossy finish, and some light scratches and dings. The set trigger needs some adjustments, but the lock is mechanically excellent. Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500