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LOT 3279
Well-Documented Engraved Drury Boxlock Flintlock Pocket Pistol with
Collier Patent Marked Automatic Primer - Serial no. 4, 38 cal., 1 1/2 inch
round bbl., blue/brass finish, walnut grips. Includes “Clockwork
Basilisk: The Early Revolvers of Elisha Collier & Artemas Wheeler
Volume 1 and 2” by Ben Nicholson. This pistol is discussed on
page 358 and shown on page 359. It was manufactured after
1813 based on the Birmingham proofmarks, and Nicholson
notes that it likely dates to pre-1826 when William Drury’s
business closed. It was subsequently fitted with a frizzen with
a built in automatic priming mechanism, and the arm of the
mechanism has been marked “E. H. COLLIER PATENT” though,
as Nicholson discusses, Collier did not claim a patent regarding
automatic priming. “4” is marked on the right side of the frame and
repeated on multiple parts of the priming mechanism. The pistol
has “LONDON” on the right, “DRURY” on the left, martial motif
engraving, folding trigger, and a bag shaped grip with
silver escutcheon.
CONDITION: Good overall with aged patina on the brass and silver,
distinct markings, dark patina on the iron, oxidation/pitting, and
mild overall wear, including a crack and chip on the left side of the grip.
Mechanically functions.
Estimate: 1,600 - 2,500
LOT 3277
Rare and Unique Engraved W.H. Kleft
Telescope and Flintlock Cane Pistol - NSN, 36
cal., 2 3/4 inch round bbl., black/casehardened
finish, metal grips. Manufactured c. the early 19th century, this is a rare and desirable example of an intriguing gentleman’s “multi-tool” during the
early 1800s. In 1814, W.H. Kleft was granted British patent number 3837 for a “Method of Constructing a Walking Staff to Contain Pistol, Powder,
Ball and Screw Telescope, Pen, Ink, Paper, Pencil, Knife and Drawing Utensils.” Limited examples of these canes are known to exist containing
various combinations of these items, with this example containing a flintlock pistol, screw telescope, and an oil bottle. During this period, canes
were at the height of their popularity among the upper echelons of society, and many unique, sometimes wacky, attempts were made to add
further utility to the walking sticks. Many of these attempts ended up being primarily novelties with some limited defensive function. The primary defensive component of this cane is the small, folding trigger, screw barrel, flintlock
pistol contained within the top grip area of the cane. The pistol has light floral and martial engraving and is marked “W.H. KLEFT/INVENTOR” and “LONDON”. The cane is composed of five sections, all of which thread together. The
upper section containing the pistol, the next section down being empty, below that is the telescope, then another empty section, and finally the bottom section containing an oil bottle and two lead weights, as well as being
tipped with gilt brass. The top of the grip has a simple gilt brass cap. The outside of the shaft sections have a spiraling rib around the entire length and are finished in black enamel.
CONDITION: Fine, the shaft sections retaining most of the original black enamel finish with some mild wear and scattered minor flaking. The pistol component retains strong traces of the vibrant case colors with crisp engraving and
the brass components retain about half of the gilt finish. Mechanically functions. The telescope optics are hazy. A rarely seen and intriguing piece that would be as much a conversation starter now as it was in the early 19th century!
Estimate: 5,000 - 7,500
LOT 3280
Cased Pair of Engraved Boxlock
Percussion Pocket Pistols with Ivory
Grips -A) Percussion Pocket Pistol -
Serial no. 851, 45 cal., 1 5/8 inch round bbl.,
bright finish, ivory grips. Manufactured c.
1830s-1850s with screw-off barrels with
fine rifling, Liege proof marks on the left
at the breech, “851” on the undersides
at the breeches, foliate scroll engraving,
and smooth ivory grips. The leatherette
bound case has golden scroll patterns, a
fitted interior, turned ivory powder and
cap containers, ball mold with built in
screwdriver and nipple wrench, and a pair
of lidded compartments.
CONDITION: Very good with gray and brown
patina, distinct engraving, oxidation, and mild wear. The grip is good with cracks at the frame juncture
and age lines. Mechanically functions. The case and accessories are good with moderate age and storage
related wear including one detached hinge. B) Percussion Pocket Pistol - Serial no. 851, 45 cal., 1 5/8
inch round bbl., bright finish, ivory grips. As described in “A”.
CONDITION: Very good overalll with gray and brown patina, distinct engraving, oxidation, mild wear, and
age lines in the grip. Mechanically functions.
Estimate: 1,800 - 2,750
LOT 3278
Desirable Cased Parker, Field & Sons
Percussion Cane Gun Two Barrel Set with
Accessories - Serial no. 11207, 36/44 cal., 23
1/2 inch round bbl., green finish, hardwood
stock, hardwood grips. Manufactured c. mid-
19th century, this is an impressive Parker, Field
& Sons cased set containing a Lang patent
percussion cane gun. The mid-19th Century saw a significant spike
in the popularity of canes, especially among the more well-to-do
of societies in Europe and North America. This popularity led to
a desire for an item that was a fashionable accessory for a gentleman, as well as having some defensive capabilities, should
the need arise. The body of this iron percussion cane gun was made to look like wood with a green/brown painted finish, and
the handle is an actual piece of wood. For use, the two sections of the cane body are pulled apart by the user in which the
telescoping upper section reveals the concealed cocking mechanism and trigger, in which the upper section of the cane turns
down slightly to act as a proper shoulder stock. The concealed area of the cane gun is inscribed with “PARKER, FIELD & SONS.
LONDON. No.11207”, assembly numbers on various small parts, and some London proofs. The set includes two barrels, a .36
caliber rifled barrel with a blade front sight and two-leaf notch rear sight, as well as a smoothbore .44 caliber barrel with a bead
front sight. The cane gun measures 35 1/2 inches in overall when closed. Includes a fitted hardwood case with green felt lined
interior, with Parker, Field & Sons trade label on the interior of the lid, a leather wrapped bag shaped powder flask, a leather
wrapped shot flask, as well as various loading and cleaning tools.
CONDITION: Fine, retaining much of the original brown/green enamel with some crazing of the varnish and some scattered light flaking. There is a repaired crack in the grip. Mechanically untested. The case is also very good with
some mild handling/storage evidence. The accessories are also good with some mild wear. A desirable cased cane gun two barrel set from a well-known London retailer!
Estimate: 2,500 - 3,750
Pictured & described in
Clockwork Basilisk: The Early
Revolves of Elisha Collier & Artemas
Wheeler Vol. I by Nicholson