Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNewsAbout Us
Create Account
Login
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNews & EventsAbout Us
Login
Create Account

History Lives Here

Rock Island Auction Company
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
RIAC Rock Island
7819 42nd Street West
Rock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
RIAC Bedford
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, Texas 76021, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
Navigation
  • Auctions
  • Consignment
  • Blog
  • FAQ
  • News
  • About Us
More Info
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Job Postings & Careers
  • Contact
  • Order a Catalog
© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.
Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.
  • Auction Catalog #70
  • Lot #2165
Lot #2164
Lot #2166

Lot 2165: Pair of W. & S. Rooke Engraved Double Barrel Percussion Pistols

Attractive Pair of W. & S. Rooke Engraved Double Barrel Percussion Pistols

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 6, 2017

Lot 2165: Pair of W. & S. Rooke Engraved Double Barrel Percussion Pistols

Attractive Pair of W. & S. Rooke Engraved Double Barrel Percussion Pistols

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 6, 2017

Estimated Price: $6,000 - $9,000
Price Realized:
Login to view
Login to view

A) W. & S. Rooke Pistol

Manufacturer: British
Model: Percussion
Type: Pistol
Gauge: 62
Barrel: 6 1/2 inch solid rib
Finish: brown/blue
Grip:
Stock: walnut
Item Views: 4458
Item Interest: Average
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 94
Class: Antique
Description:

These pistols were manufactured around the 1830s. All four lock plates have fine scrollwork and burst engraving, sliding half-cock safeties, and "W & S ROOKE" near the center at the bottom. William & Samuel Rooke were active together from 1820 to 1837 in Birmingham. Samuel continued on until 1839, and then George Rooke took over the business until the 1850s. The barrels have post front sights and "London" in script on the concave ribs, and the undersides have pairs of cross scepter proofmarks. Swivel mounted ramrods are fitted below the barrels. The breeches have matching engraving and dual platinum bands, and the trigger guards and ramrod entry pipe finials are also engraved. The stocks have German silver wedge shields and thumb plates and checkered bag shaped grips. Smoothbore double barrel pistols found multiple uses in the 19th century. Some were carried by military officers and dragoons, others were used by hunters for defense against tigers in India, and they we also used to defend coaches from highway robberies.

Rating Definition:

Very fine as period refinished. The barrels have 85% plus of the refurbished brown finish and partially obliterated proofmarks. The locks are mostly a smooth dark brown patina and have 75% of the casehardened finish and are mechanically fine. The other components retain 80% of the blue finish. The balance has brown patina. There are scattered minor scratches and marks. The stock is also very fine and has several small scratches and dings from handling, storage, and use including a group of dents on the butt. Mechanically fine.



B) W. & S. Rooke Pistol

Manufacturer: British
Model: Percussion
Type: Pistol
Gauge: 62
Barrel: 6 1/2 inch solid rib
Finish: blue/brown
Grip:
Stock: walnut
Item Views: 4458
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 94
Class: Antique
Description:

See A.

Rating Definition:

Very good as period refurbished. The barrels have 90% plus of the refurbished brown finish and partially obliterated proofmarks. The locks have a mix of smooth dark brown patina and 25 of the casehardened finish. They are mechanically fine. The other components retain half of the blue finish, and have a brown patina on the balance. There are some scattered minor scratches and marks. The stock is also very good and has scattered scratches and minor dents.



Customer Product Questions

There are currently no customer product questions on this lot

    Related Items

    Lot #509: Pair of Unknown Percussion Pistols

    Lot #511: Two Percussion Long Guns

    Lot #888: Two Half-Stock Rifles

    Lot #1325: Pedersoli Howdah Hunter Double Barrel Percussion Pistol

    Lot #77: Manton Marked Large Bore Percussion Double Barrel Shotgun

    Lot #79: Bentley & Playfair Marked Commercial Pattern 1858 Carbine