The consignor informed us that the Lancaster sales ledgers list this pistol as being sold in December 1888 to Count J. Raffo. A Count Joseph Raffo is recorded in this period as the owner of the Sidi Daud/Dawad fishery in Tunisia, and he appears to be the descendant of Count Giuseppe (Joseph) Raffo of Sardinian ancestry who was an influential official within the Tunisian government until 1859. These innovative Thorn patent pistols were popular with European officers and gentlemen in the mid to late 19th century and were excellent for defense against dangerous animals or human assailants. The four-barrel version is more common than this two-barrel variant with only around one quarter of the total production of 935 Lancaster pistols being two barrel variants. The barrels appear to be smoothbore, but they actually use Lancaster's patented oval bore rifling. It has a German silver blade front sight, fixed groove/notch rear sight on the top of the action, "CHARLES LANCASTER (PATENT) 151, NEW BOND ST. LONDON." on top of the upper barrel, London proofs, "476 CF" in the left side of the concave center rib, the fixed dual trigger mechanism that allows you to pull the lower trigger to cock the gun for a light pull with the main trigger, the serial number on the lower tang, serrated rear strap, checkered grips, and a lanyard loop on the butt.

Fine with 40% original blue finish concentrated on the action, mottled brown patina and light oxidation on the balance, general mild wear, and distinct markings. The grips are very good and have moderately worn checkering, mild handling wear, light scratches and dings, and slight chips at the toe. Mechanically fine.