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LOT 3246
Unique Unwin & Rodgers Marked Percussion Cutlass Pistol - Serial no. 4, 60 cal., 4 1/4 inch octagon bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. The top barrel flat is marked “UNWIN & RODGERS SHEFFIELD EXPL CUTLASS No 4,” and there are Birmingham proofs present on the lower left flat. The frame has scroll engraving. A now absent belt hook was fitted to the left side. The pistol has blade and notch sights. It is fitted with a 10 1/4 inch blade and iron knuckle guard and has a checkered walnut grip with a silver escutcheon. The pistol appears to have been built using a standard Birmingham belt pistol and is the same design as an Unwin & Rodgers marked cutlass pistol we previously sold. Other similar examples are also known, some with slightly different blade designs and at least one with an Unwin & Rodger’s marked leather sheath/holster. The firm also manufactured the more commonly scene folding pocket knife pistols. The overall design is similar to the famous Elgin cutlass pistols used briefly by the U.S. Navy during the Wilkes South Sea
Exploring Expedition.
CONDITION: Very good with mostly dark brown patina overall, light Damascus patterns visible on the barrel, distinct engraving, an absent screw at the front of the trigger guard bow, absent belt hook which is broken off with base remaining, and mild overall wear. The grip is also very good and has distinct but mildly worn checkering with some scrapes and dings, an “X” in the right side, and a slash mark on the left side. The trigger pull is very stiff, but the pistol is mechanically fine.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
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