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LOT 1218
Pair of Engraved and German Silver Mounted Flintlock Pistols
-A) Flintlock Pistol - NSN, 50 cal., 8 inch octagon bbl., bright/
German silver finish, walnut stock. This pair of early 19th century
flintlock pistols has etched Damascus barrels with crowned muzzles,
finely grooved rifling, dovetailed German silver blade front sights,
and three-leaf rear sights on the engraved tangs. The locks have
frizzen spring rollers and foliate engraving, and the pistols are
equipped with single set triggers. The mounts are German silver and
feature foliate and martial motifs. The walnut stock have horn forend
tips and panels of checkering on the wrists.
CONDITION: Fine with mostly silver-gray patina on the lock and
barrel, distinct engraving and Damascus patterns, light oxidation and pitting,
attractively aged patina on the German silver, faint repair in the trigger guard
tang, and general minor wear. The stock is also fine and has crisp checkering, a
minor crack on the left at the breech, and some dings and scratches. Mechanically
functions. B) Flintlock Pistol - NSN, 50 cal., 8 inch octagon bbl., bright/German
silver finish, walnut stock. As described in “A”.
CONDITION: Fine with mostly silver-gray patina on the lock and barrel, replacement
cock, distinct engraving and Damascus patterns, light oxidation and pitting,
attractively aged patina on the German silver, and general minor wear.
The stock is also fine and has crisp checkering and some dings and
scratches. Mechanically functions.
Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500
LOT 1217
Fine Presentation Quality
Pair of Silver Mounted and
Silver and Gold Inlaid Tatham Flintlock Pistols -A)
Tatham Flintlock Pistol - NSN, 58 cal., 11 5/8 inch part octagon bbl., blue/silver/gold/casehardened finish, walnut
stock. This beautiful pair of pistols has Birmingham silver hallmarks for 1825 and the “F&J” silversmith mark of Freeth
& Jones. The Damascus barrels are made and decorated in imitation of earlier Ottoman barrels and feature silver
and gold designs, including unknown gold script markings, and
the lower barrel flats at the breech have London proofmarks
flanking Joseph Griffin’s “IG” maker’s mark. The locks are signed
“TATHAM/LONDON” and have scroll and foliate engraving and sliding half-
cock safeties. The mounts have foliate engraving, the side plates feature classical
martial trophy motif designs, and the trigger guards have acorn finials.
CONDITION: Fine with mostly bright silver mounts and inlays with some light
patina, bright gold inlays, distinct Damascus patterns and gray and brown
patina on the barrel, nearly all of the original bright nitre blue on the trigger
plate, dark brown patina on the standing breech, mottled gray patina on
the lock, and generally minor overall wear. The stock is also fine and has
attractive grain, crisp edges, and minor handling marks. The safety is
jammed, but the lock otherwise is mechanically excellent. B) Tatham
Flintlock Pistol - NSN, 58 cal., 11 5/8 inch part octagon bbl., blue/
silver/gold/casehardened finish, walnut stock. As
described in “A”.
CONDITION: Fine with partially bright silver
mounts and inlays with areas of darker
patina, bright gold inlays, distinct
Damascus patterns and gray and
brown patina on the barrel, nearly
all of the original bright nitre blue
on the trigger plate, dark brown
patina on the standing breech,
traces of original case colors
and otherwise mottled gray
patina on the lock, and fairly
minor overall wear. The stock is
also fine and has attractive grain,
crisp edges, and scattered dings.
Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 7,500 - 12,000
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