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Lot 3169:Pair of Field & Langstroth Philadelphia Marked Pistols

September 9th, 2018|Rock Island, IL

Lot 3169:Pair of Field & Langstroth Philadelphia Marked Pistols

September 9th, 2018|Rock Island, IL

Price Realized:

Estimated Price$3,500 - $5,000

A) English Belt Pistol

The top of the barrel of each of these smoothbore belt pistols is marked "FIELD & LANGSTROTH PHILD". Both also have small English proofs on the lower left. Field & Langstroth appear in Philadelphia business registries from the 1850s under hardware merchants; one advertisement from 1853 lists them as "dealers in Foreign and Domestic HARDWARE, GUNS AND PISTOLS". Other pistols of this same design occasionally appear with English retailer markings. The pistols have detailed floral scroll and border engraving with punch dot backgrounds on the frames with coordinating designs on the hammers, trigger guards, and butt caps. The latter features a small cap compartment. The actions and barrels are color casehardened and the belt hooks are niter blued while the remaining components have a silver plated finish. Swivel mounted ramrods run along solid ribs below the barrels. They are fitted with finely checkered walnut grips with unmarked silver initial shields and have small post and notch sights. The pair comes in a modern hardwood case with felt lined interior, six lead balls, and patches.

ConditionVery fine. 85% plus of the original rich case colors remain with some small scratches and light patina. The belt hook has 40% plus of the original niter blue finish with some brown patina, and 90% of the silver plating remains with a dark patina. The stock is very fine with slight handling/storage wear and sharp checkering. The action is excellent, and the engraving patterns are clear. The modern case is very good with some minor storage type wear and some tears on the lining.

Details

ManufacturerField & Langstroth

ModelPercussion Pistol

TypePistol

ClassAntique

Caliber / Gauge52

Barrel4 1/2 inch octagon

Finishcasehardened/silver

Stockwalnut

Item LocationRock Island, IL

Catalog page74

B) English Belt Pistol

See A gun.

ConditionVery fine. The pistol retains approximately 85% of the original rich case colors with some light spotting and a few minor marks. The belt hook retains 70% plus of the original niter blue finish with some edge wear. Nearly all of the silver plating remains with mostly a dark aged patina. The stock is very fine with slight handling/storage wear and sharp checkering. The engraving patterns and markings are clear. The action is excellent.