Samuel Nock was the nephew of famed innovative gunmaker Henry Nock and apprenticed under him. He was also an accomplished gunmaker and worked through the transitional period from flintlocks to percussion systems. He served as a royal gunmaker to the English monarchy from King George III in 1805 up to Queen Victoria starting in 1837. He died in 1851. These attractive pistols would have been suitable for dueling, personal defense, or military service. The breech tangs, locks, and trigger guards have martial motifs suggesting they were designed with the later in mind. Their quality would have certainly been worthy of a military officer, and officers were known to use their pistols in duels with one another sometimes as much as on the battlefield. The smoothbore Damascus barrels have "-GUN-MAKER TO HIS MAJESTY-" and dovetailed blade front sights, and the bottom of the barrel of gun "B" also has "553." The patent breeches have golden "crown/S.NOCK/LONDON" maker's marks on the top flats, gold bands near the rear edges, and platinum vent liners, and gun "A" also has "S-NOCK/PATENT" on the hook. The barrels are secured to the nearly full length stocks with two wedges each. The wrists of the stocks are checkered, and the wood is otherwise unadorned aside from the carefully shaped flats. The locks are signed "S. Nock" in script below the semi-waterproof pans and have frizzen spring rollers, sliding safety catches, and stepped tails with teats. They come in an antique hardwood case with brass escutcheons and corner protectors, a modern reproduction Samuel Nock trade label inside the lid, olive lining, and the following accessories: ramrod, brass oiler, brass pocket sized flask, ball mold, key, extra flints, and a few lead balls.

Fine with strong patterns of original brown finish and Damascus patterns visible along the barrel, patches of pitting concentrated just ahead of the vent, subtle but significant original case colors on the lock, traces of original blue finish on the trigger guard and ramrod pipe, and mild marks and scratches. The stock is also very fine and has crisp checkering, minor pressure marks and scrapes, and generally smooth oiled surfaces. Mechanically excellent.

See A.

Fine with strong patterns of original case colors visible on the upper tang and patent breech as well as the trigger plate finial, distinct Damascus patterns along the barrel, traces of original finish elsewhere, distinct engraving and markings, and minor overall wear. The stock is very good with a faint chip (appears to be an old repair) on the left side at the front wedge, minor scratches and dings, smooth oiled finish, and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The case and accessories are very good with mild storage wear. This is an overall very attractive set by one of London's finest gunmakers.