Lot 1340: Cased Engraved Wilkinson Double Barrel Percussion Pistol

James Wilkinson & Son were active at 27 Pall Mall in 1829-1852. This pistol has smoothbore Damascus barrels, a brass bead front sight on the concave rib which is signed "-PALL MALL LONDON-", London proofs, platinum plugs, silver wedge escutcheons, swivel mounted ramrod, "WILKINSON" signed in a banner on each lock, sliding safeties, primarily scroll and floral engraving, small compartment in the pommel cap, and checkered wrist. The silver wrist escutcheon is inscribed with a crest of a noble lady holding a garland and a second crest of a kneeling angel praying surrounded by laurel branch. The case has a James Wilkinson & Son label inside the lid at center, an Edward London label to the right, cleaning and loading rod, several balls, small powder flask, wrench, and wads. The crests on the wrist escutcheon suggest this pistol was owned by Francis Keith-Falconer, 8th Earl of Kintore (1828-1880), or one of his sons as these are the crests of Clan Keith and Clan Falconer. The 8th Earl of Kintore was Lord Lieutenant of Kincardineshire in 1856-1863 and then Lord Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire until his death. Provenance: The Richard P. Mellon Collection

Fine with nearly all of the period refurbished brown finish and twist patterns visible on the barrels, traces of original case colors, 30% original blue on the trigger guard, minor pitting by the replacement nipples, aged patina on the silver, crisp engraving, and minor overall wear. The stock is also fine and has scattered minor marks in the otherwise crisp checkering, light scratches and dings, and minor edge wear. Mechanically excellent. The case and accessories are also fine with minor age and storage related wear.