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  • Auction Catalog #4094
  • Lot #3301
Lot #3300
Lot #3302

Lot 3301: Cased Pair of J W Edge Double Barrel Pistols with Snap Bayonets

Remarkable Cased Pair of Finely Engraved John William Edge Double Barrel Percussion Pistols with Snap Bayonets Owned by Mayor William Bayley of Stalybridge

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: May 4, 2025

Lot 3301: Cased Pair of J W Edge Double Barrel Pistols with Snap Bayonets

Remarkable Cased Pair of Finely Engraved John William Edge Double Barrel Percussion Pistols with Snap Bayonets Owned by Mayor William Bayley of Stalybridge

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: May 4, 2025

Estimated Price: $14,000 - $22,500
Price Realized:
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A) J. W. Edge Double Barrel Pistol

Manufacturer: British
Model: Double Barrel Percussion
Type: Pistol
Gauge: 51
Barrel: 6 inch solid rib
Finish: casehardened/blue
Grip: walnut
Stock:
Item Views: 312
Item Interest: Active
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 199
Class: Antique
Bore Condition: The bores are mostly bright with some patination and minor oxidation.
Description:

John William Edge was a gunmaker in Manchester from 1827 until 1864. These pistols likely date towards the middle of this range. Their smoothbore barrels have recessed crowns, and the bores measure approximately 34 bore (.515 caliber). The barrels are marked "J. W. EDGE" on the top right and "MANCHESTER" on the top left and have Birmingham proofmarks on the bottom flats. They are equipped with folding sprung "snap bayonets" with sliding releases on the top of the scroll engraved boxlock actions, and stirrup mounted ramrods are fitted beneath. The pistols also have sliding half-cock safeties and double triggers, and the finely checkered stocks have blank silver oval escutcheons and casehardened pommel caps with scroll engraving and hinged compartments. They come in a fitted mahogany case with green baize lining and a variety of accessories, including a three-way combination flask. The case for this pair of extraordinary pistols has "W. BAYLEY ESQRE" inscribed on the handle and "STALY-BRIDGE" below. William Bayley of Stalybridge, Greater Manchester, England, ran the Bayley Street Mills with his brothers and were cotton spinners and manufacturers. These pistols may have served as personal security for him during unrest during the economic depression in the early 1840s. In 1842, he cut wages for the mill workers contributing to the Chartist movement and the outbreak of the Plug Riots. The latter took its name from the strikers removing the plugs from the boilers in the factories to stop production. The local papers wrote of the "Alarming Riots in Manchester and the Neighborhood" and noted that "the hands of Messrs. Bayley and Brothers of Stalybridge struck" after their wages were reduced ultimately expanding to 8,000 to 10,000 spinners and weavers petitioning Parliament and contributing to the general strike throughout the country which included property damage and violence. Several people were killed before the general strike ended. Bayley was later elected the mayor of Stalybridge after it was incorporated in 1857. Shortly thereafter, the American Civil War heavily affected the production of England's factories, and his family suffered heavy financial losses, particularly because William Bayley & Brothers had built the new Clarence Mill which was ultimately sold off. Nonetheless, he was able to comfortably retire in 1863 and lived at his Stamford Lodge mansion. He still retained business ties and was among the investors in The Manchester & Liverpool District Banking Company in 1867.

Rating Definition:

Excellent plus with 97% plus original vibrant casehardened finish, 95% plus original blue finish, bright polished bayonet blade, crisp engraving and markings, sharp checkering, and only minimal light age and storage related wear including some very faint spots of oxidation. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine and has mild age and storage related wear, including some separation of the dividers and the lower right compartment lid cracked and with a loose pull. The accessories are generally very fine with minor storage wear.



B) J. W. Edge Double Barrel Pistol

Manufacturer: British
Model: Double Barrel Percussion
Type: Pistol
Gauge: 51
Barrel: 6 inch solid rib
Finish: casehardened/blue
Grip: walnut
Stock:
Item Views: 312
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 199
Class: Antique
Bore Condition: The bores are mostly bright and have minor patination and oxidation.
Description:

As described in "A." Provenance: Mayor William Bayley of Stalybridge; The Cam & Deb Cooper Collection

Rating Definition:

Excellent plus with 97% plus original vibrant casehardened finish, 95% plus original blue finish, bright polished bayonet blade, crisp engraving and markings, sharp checkering, and only minimal light age and storage related wear including some very faint spots of oxidation mainly near the breech. Mechanically excellent.



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