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LOT 1256
Cased Pair of Finely Engraved, Gold and Platinum Inlaid, and Gribble, Barum Marked 20 Bore
Flintlock Dueling Pistols with Elaborately Decorated Silver Inlaid Stocks -A) English Dueling
Pistol - NSN, 60 cal., 8 1/4 inch octagon bbl., brown/casehardened/gold/silver finish, walnut stock. The
markings suggest these pistols were made/retailed by a member of the Gribble family from Barnstaple
(historically known as Barum) in Southwest England. The smoothbore Damascus barrels have dovetailed
silver blade front sights, “WARRANTED” in a gold inlaid banner surrounded by gold inlaid floral patterns, gold and platinum banded breech plugs with platinum vent liners, and Birmingham proofs, “IP,” and “DAMAS” on the bottom. The standing breeches have integral notch rear sights and classic English floral engraving. The locks have platinum lined rainproof pans, “GRIBBLE./BARUM.” under the pan, frizzen spring rollers, floral and scroll engraving, bolted safeties, and stepped tails. The pistols are equipped with adjustable single set triggers enclosed in scroll engraved spurred trigger guards with light etched “M.1705.A.” and “M.1705.B.” markings respectively on the tangs. The forend caps, wedge and wrist escutcheons, floral engraved plats above the nose of the locks, and lion mask pommel caps are all silver. The checkered half-stocks are also inlaid with silver wire scroll patterns with engraved silver leaf and bloom inlays. The pair comes in a fitted hardwood case with a mainspring vice, 24-bore ball mold, cleaning rod, and key.
CONDITION: Fine with crisp markings and engraving, bright original gold and platinum inlay, a natural aged patina on the silver, some light original case colors on the lock, mix of faded original brown finish and smooth patina on the barrel along with distinct Damascus patterns, and traces of blue finish and smooth gray and brown patina on the trigger guard and ramrod pipes. The stock is also fine and has fine silver inlay, crisp checkering, nice figure, smooth finish, and light handling and storage marks. Mechanically excellent. The relined case and the accessories are very good with mild age and storage related wear.
B) English Dueling Pistol - NSN, 60 cal., 8 1/4 inch octagon bbl., brown/casehardened/gold/silver finish, walnut stock. See “A.” CONDITION: Very fine with crisp markings and engraving, bright original gold and platinum, a natural aged patina on the silver, dark patina on the lock, visible Damascus patterns on the barrel along with gray and brown patina, and traces of blue finish
on the trigger guard, and smooth gray and brown patina on the balance. The stock is also very fine and has a few minor scuffs in the otherwise crisp checkering, nice figure, smooth finish, and some scattered light handling and storage marks. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Collection of Joe M. Wanenmacher Jr.
Estimate: 7,500 - 11,000
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