This is an excellent example of a mid-1850s set of British dueling pistols that were made by the "Richardson" company. Both pistols have 54 caliber smooth bore, Damascus twist pattern barrels that are marked "LONDON" on top with hooked breech to allow for easy cleaning. Each pistol has a full length barrel rib with a single thimble on the rib and one on the end of the stock that holds the cleaning rods. Each pistol is fitted with a small back-action style lock that is marked on the side of the lock plate, "RICHARDSON" and each one is equipped with a sliding safety, typical of this time period, with both pistols having a single set trigger with the adjustment screw directly in front of the trigger. These pistols are fitted with the classic style "Saw Handle" pistol stock that extends back over the web of the hand to keep the pistol from shifting in the hand during firing and to help steady the pistol for better aim. The sides of the pistol grip area have been nicely checkered in a very fine cross-cut checkered pattern. The top rear section of the saw handle has a small oval silver blank presentation plate and both pistols are fitted with all silver hardware, to include the trigger guard, escutcheons, rear thimble, nose cap, and cap box. The complete lock plate, hammer tang, trigger guard cap box (on the very end of the pistol grip) and rear section of the breech plug have a light scroll engraving and the breech end of each barrel has silver-filled double barrel bands. It is fitted with a small brass front sight and a raised inverted "V" rear sight set on top of the tang. These pistols are complete with a fitted walnut presentation case that contains both pistols, a small single spout brass flask, a screw driver, 32 caliber single cavity bullet mold and cleaning rod with jag. At one time, there was a makers label inside the lid but it has fallen off. However, this set has all the trade marks of the a typical pair of high end British dueling pistols, made by a premier gunsmith of this time.

Fine, with most of a brown barrel finish that highlights the Damascus twist pattern, with the hammer and lock plate. Breech plug and tang area all showing a nice brown patina finish overall. The walnut stock is in very good plus condition, with only minor handling marks overall from some actual use. The brass powder flask has a nice mellow patina finish and shows a small old repair to the spring on top. The remaining accessories are all in fine to excellent condition. The case is also in very good condition for it's age, showing the typical handling marks and light pressure dents overall from years of storage and handling, with the lid showing some very minor separation on the front right corner. The hinges, lock plates and brass inlay on top are all in excellent condition. A very nice set of fine English dueling pistols.

Described in A.

Fine overall, with most of a browned barrel finish that highlights the Damascus twist pattern, with the hammer and lock plate. Breech plug and tang area all showing a nice brown patina finish overall. The walnut stock is in very good plus condition, with only minor handling marks overall from some actual use.