Lot 3307:Cased Pair of H.W. Mortimer & Son Flintlock Dueling Pistols

June 7th, 2020|Rock Island, IL

Lot 3307:Cased Pair of H.W. Mortimer & Son Flintlock Dueling Pistols

June 7th, 2020|Rock Island, IL

Price Realized:

Estimated Price$5,500 - $8,500

A) H.W. Mortimer & Son Dueling Pistol

This pair of pistols from 1806-1812 is very similar to the pair shown on page 175 within the "Duelling Pistols" chapter in "The Mortimer Gunmakers, 1753-1923" by Munson. Like that pair, the locks are marked "HW/MORTIMER/& SON," the vent liners are platinum, and the breech plug is recessed which brings the pan closer to the center of the barrel and thus the main charge for faster ignition. Also like the pair in the book, these pistols have hidden rifling. The rifling ends shortly before the end of the barrels. Dueling codes in the U.K. generally called for smoothbore pistols. Technically using rifled barrels would be fair assuming both pistols are the same and the duelists each used a pistol from this set to settle their differences. The serial number following this pair is listed on page 288 and was also a saw handled dueling pistol. The pistols have English twist steel barrels with dovetailed brass blade front sights, "LONDON GUN-MAKERS TO HIS MAJESTY" signed on top, London proof and view marks along with the "crown/HM" maker's mark and "1318" on the bottom of the barrels, and platinum bands and vent liners on the breeches along with a platinum "crown MORTIMER/FLEET ST" maker's mark."1318" is also lightly written inside the forends. The upper tangs have sight grooves, engraving, and integral notch rear sights. The locks are signed "H W/MORTIMER/& SON" and have platinum lined rainproof pans, frizzen spring rollers, border engraving, martial motifs at the tails, and safeties that also secure the frizzens. The triggers are plain, but the trigger pulls are crisp and fairly light. The trigger guards have spurs, pineapple finials, engraved martial motifs and "-89-/FLEET ST." on the bows, and long tangs that extend most of the way down the wrists. The forend caps and wedge escutcheons are silver. Gold escutcheons are inlaid on the left stock flats and are engraved with a crest with an armored arm holding a lance over a torse. The wrists are checkered. The pistols point very naturally. They come in a mahogany case with an H.W. Mortimer & Son trade label, ramrod with additional attachments for cleaning, a screwdriver, a key, large patch cutter, power flask bound with green leather with compartments containing a few lead balls and a spare flint, an oiler, additional undersized lead balls, and a ball mold.

ConditionVery good with half of the period refurbished brown finish and distinct Damascus patterns along the barrel, 50% original blue finish on the trigger guard, light original case colors on the lock, smooth gray patina on the balance, crisp markings and engraving, and general minor wear including some light scratches and dings on the edge of the pommel and the left flat. Mechanically excellent. The case and accessories are fine and have mild age and storage related wear and a detached piece of the case handle (included).

Details

ManufacturerMortimer & Son

ModelFlintlock

TypePistol

Serial number

ClassAntique

Caliber / Gauge54

Barrel9 3/8 inch octagon

Finishbrown/casehardened/blue/silver

Stockwalnut

Item LocationRock Island, IL

Catalog page132

B) H.W. Mortimer & Son Dueling Pistol

See "A."

ConditionVery good with half of the period refurbished brown finish and distinct Damascus patterns along the barrel, 30% original blue finish on the trigger guard, light original case colors on the lock, smooth gray patina on the balance, aged patina on the silver, crisp markings and engraving, and general minor wear including some light scratches and dings on the edge of the pommel and the left flat, and a crack in the left stock flat. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: included documentation traces the set to Charles Greener and subsequently John Naylor and Dr. Norborne R. Clark.