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LOT 1239
Exceptional Cased Pair of Engraved Williams & Powell Percussion Pistols -A) Williams & Powell Pistol -
NSN, 54 cal., 4 inch octagon bbl., brown/casehardened/blue finish, walnut stock. Williams & Powell were active
c. 1833-1892, and these pistols would date to the first half of that range. They have smoothbore, Damascus
barrels with dovetailed blade and notch sights, swivel mounted ramrods, and “WILLIAMS & POWELL LIVERPOOL”
marked on top. The breeches have pierced platinum plugs and platinum bands. The locks are signed “WILLIAMS
& POWELL,” and the locks and furniture have classic scroll and border engraving. The nearly full-length stocks
have checkered wrists, horn forend caps, “RB” stamped at the toes, and trapdoor compartments in the pommels.
The pair come in a period hardwood case with green baize lining, a trade label inside the lid stating: “WILLIAMS
& POWELL/Successors to the late/PATRICK/GUNMAKER/TO/His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester/25 SOUTH
CASTLE STREET/Late Pool Lane,/LIVERPOOL,” small powder flask, loading rod, “30” marked ball mold, a few balls
and patches, and a turned bone or stag-horn container.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine. The barrel has distinct Damascus patterns and retains most of the original brown
finish with some slight fading at the edges. 75% plus of the lightly age faded original case colors, and 70% of the
original blue finish remains. The engraving and markings remain crisp. The stock is also exceptionally fine and
has attractive figure, crisp checkering, and light marks and scratches. Mechanically excellent. The case is also very
good with mild store wear. B) Williams & Powell Pistol - NSN, 54 cal., 4 inch octagon bbl., brown/casehardened/
blue finish, walnut stock. See “A.”
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine. The barrel retains most of the original brown finish aside
from some minor edge wear and has distinct Damascus twist patterns. 75% plus of
the lightly age faded original case colors, and 50% of the original blue finish remains.
The engraving and markings remain crisp. The stock is also exceptionally fine and has
attractive figure, crisp checkering, and light marks and scratches. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 9,500 - 14,000
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