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Lot 1255:Pair of Forsyth Sliding Primer 17 Bore Officer's Pistols

August 24th, 2024|Bedford, TX

Lot 1255:Pair of Forsyth Sliding Primer 17 Bore Officer's Pistols

August 24th, 2024|Bedford, TX

Price Realized:

Estimated Price$4,000 - $6,500

A) Forsyth Sliding Primer Pistol

Reverend Alexander Forsyth was instrumental in the development of use of mercury fulminate as a replacement for flint and steel as an ignition source and the transition to percussion ignition. Forsyth's work was critical and innovative, but his self-priming systems were potentially dangerous since the primer reservoir could detonate. This pair of pistols is Forsyth's second design and are listed by serial numbers on page 60 of "Forsyth & Co.: Patent Gunmakers" by W. Keith Neal & D.H.L. Back as a "Pair of Single Barrel 17 Bore Pistols" owned by "N. Blank, USA." Unfortunately, some of the details listed in the book are incorrect, possibly confused with those of another pair. A letter from David Back to Norman Blank in June 1966 asking for details of "Forsyth weapons" in Blank's collection is included. The pistols use the second model of the sliding primer mechanism manufactured c. 1821-1828. Each of the smoothbore Damascus barrels has a bead front sight, "FORSYTH & CO. PATENT GUN MAKERS LONDON" signed on top, a "WF" maker's mark for William Fullerd flanked by London proof and view marks on the underside, and a casehardened breech plug with platinum inlaid band. A swivel mounted ramrod is fitted to each. The standing breeches each include a dovetailed notch rear sight and foliate engraving. The flat lock plates each are signed "FORSYTH & Co/PATENT" and have scroll and border engraving and a sliding safety. The wedge and wrist escutcheons are silver, and the remaining furniture is iron with scroll and border engraving. The stocks have checkered bag shaped butts. One pistol is numbered "3151" on the breech hook and the primer magazine and then "3150" on the inside of the lock, and the other is numbered "3150" on the breech hook and primer magazine and "3151" on the inside of the lock along with a "1" on several of the components.

ConditionFine with original case colors to the lock, breech, and standing breech; dark aged patina to the silver escutcheons, bright platinum band, brown patina and distinct Damascus patterns along the barrel, some minor oxidation, polished ramrod pipe and trigger guard, traces of blue finish on the inner surfaces of the trigger guard, and brown patina and a trace of original blue on the pommel cap. The engraving and markings are crisp. The stock is very good with moderate dents and scratches and otherwise crisp checkering. Mechanically fine.

Details

ManufacturerForsyth

ModelSliding Primer Lock

TypePistol

Serial number

ClassAntique

Caliber / Gauge17 Bore

Barrel7 inch flat top round

Finishbrown/casehardened/blue/silver

Stockwalnut

Item LocationBedford, TX

B) Forsyth Sliding Primer Pistol

See "A". Provenance: The Norman R. Blank Collection

ConditionFine with original case colors mainly on the breech plug and standing breech, mottled gray patina on the lock, dark aged patina on the silver escutcheons, bright platinum band, brown patina and distinct Damascus patterns along the barrel, some minor oxidation/pitting, polished pommel and trigger guard, and brown patina and traces of original blue on the entry pipe and inner surface of the trigger guard. The engraving and markings are crisp. The stock is very good with scattered dents and scratches and some wear to the checkering. Mechanically fine.