This pistol is recorded in D.H.L. Back, "Great Irish Gunmakers: Messrs. Rigby 1760-1869", p. 117 as one of a "pair of trap pistols" made in 1848 for an H. Dillion. It features distinctive etched Damascus to the rounded smoothbore barrel which has a concave channel to the top incorporating the blade front sight and inscribed "DUBLIN," swivel-mounted iron ramrod, and a casehardened patent breech with platinum bands, pierced platinum plug, and engraved floral accent. The casehardened flat triple-bent lock is signed "W & J RIGBY" at the center and has border and scroll engraving. The lock is secured via a single central screw into the casehardened standing breech which extends to the blued scroll engraved hinged trap cover for the three cavities cut into the spine of the butt. The blued iron small rounded trigger-guard has a stylized finial and scroll and border engraving. The stock has checkered panels and a vacant silver oval initial escutcheon on the flared pommel. Provenance: The Norman R. Blank Collection

Very fine with mostly silver-gray patina on the barrel along with distinct Damascus patterns, 60% original case colors, distinct engraving and markings, bright platinum, 75% original blue finish on the trigger guard, minor oxidation, and generally minor overall wear. The stock is fine and has crisp checkering, scattered scratches and dings, and older varnished finish. Swivel ramrod screw replaced. Mechanically excellent. Overall, a distinctive and attractive pistol from the famed Rigby shop in Dublin.