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LOT 3293
Pair of Engraved G. Bell Scottish Percussion Belt Pistols
-A) G. Bell Belt Pistol - NSN, 48 cal., 6 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/silver/casehardened finish, metal stock. George Bell was Scottish gunmaker and tackle manufacturer in Glasgow in the mid-19th century when the Scottish Highland pistols were en vogue. This pair has extensive scroll and border engraving, very nicely sculpted barrels, belt hooks, ram horn pommels with threaded vent picks, casehardened hammers, and iron ramrods.
CONDITION: Fine with traces of silver on the stock, blue on the barrel, and vibrant refurbished case colors visible on the hammer, and crisp engraving throughout. Mechanically fine.
B) G. Bell Belt Pistol - NSN, 48 cal., 6 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/silver/casehardened finish, metal stock. See “A.”
CONDITION: Fine with traces of the finishes on the stock and barrel, vibrant refurbished case colors visible on the hammer, and crisp engraving throughout. Mechanically fine.
Estimate: 5,000 - 7,000
LOT 3294
Cased Pair of Etched and Engraved European Folding Trigger Percussion Muff Pistols
-A) Percussion Muff Pistol - NSN, 45 cal., 2 7/8 inch fluted octagon bbl., bright finish, ebony grips. Likely
manufactured in Belgium in the early to mid-1800s, the “B” pistol in this lot has a Liege proof on the left of the breech. The locks of both feature attractive vine and scroll engraving and the screw off barrels both show an attractive acid etched false Damascene pattern and flutes that continue onto the breech. Both are marked “2” on the bottom of the breech. The grips have carved floral designs on the flats, ornate flutes, and floral engraved steel pommels. Includes a green leather wrapped case with gilt floral accents and a brass escutcheon on the lid engraved “AR” and the interior fitted for both pistols, an ebony cap box, ebony powder bottle, and ball mold/combination tool.
CONDITION: Very good, showing mostly a bright grey patina overall with a few scattered patches of brown patina, strong etched “Damascene” patterns, and crisp engraving. The grip is fine with some scattered light handling marks. Mechanically excellent. The case is very good with moderate wear and staining, and some separation of the leather wrapping. B) Percussion Muff Pistol - NSN, 45 cal., 2 3/8 inch fluted octagon bbl., bright finish, ebony grips. See “A”. CONDITION: Fine, showing mostly a bright grey patina with a few scattered patches of brown, strong “Damascene” pattern etching on the barrel, and crisp engraving overall. The grip is also fine with a few scattered light handling marks. Mechanically excellent.
204 Estimate: 1,800 - 2,750
LOT 3295
Cased Engraved Silver and Gold Inlaid European Pinfire Revolver - NSN, 7 mm pinfire cal., 3 1/2 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened finish, antique ivory grips. The only visible marking on this revolver is a “crown/L” proofmark on the front cylinder face and a “crown/G” on the side. An oval Liege (ELG) proof is also present on the cylinder. The breech end of the barrel has silver wire inlays with gold dots and the muzzle end has alternating gold and silver dots (most absent). The cylinder is engraved with floral designs in oval panels with gold dots in the center, silver and gold wire designs and silver dots (most absent) around the front and rear edge of the design. The frame and back strap are engraved with floral scroll designs. Dovetailed pinched front blade sight, hammer notch rear sight, ejector rod mounted on the right side of the frame, folding trigger and fitted with smooth two piece grips. Complete in a canvas covered wooden case adorned with brass tacks and red velvet lining. There is a leather carrying handle on the back.
CONDITION: Very fine. The barrel retains 30% original blue finish with a brown patina on the balance, and some minor pitting. The cylinder retains 90% original blue finish with some spotting and minor pitting. The frame retains hints of casehardening with the balance a smooth brownish gray patina. Some of the silver wire inlay is absent from the cylinder and as noted above many of the dots are absent as well, and a small piece on the breech end of the barrel is also absent. The action needs work, has sometimes it needs to be “played with” in order to get it to function properly. The grips are very good taking on a pleasant mellow patina. The engraving remains crisp. The case is good, one of the flaps that secures the handle is absent, otherwise there is some wear on the exterior, a tear on the lining in the lid and some contact wear.
Estimate: 1,400 - 2,250