Lot 293: Cased Pair of H.W. Mortimer & Son Carbine Bore Flintlock Pistols

This style was widely used by H.W. Mortimer & Son in a variety of sizes from full-sized, large bore "man-stopping" pistols down to smaller bore coat pistols in the early 1800s. This pair from c. 1810 is .65 caliber (carbine bore) and would have been well-suited for use by an English officer. A very similar pair in large caliber with a similar case and accessories is shown on page 53 of "The Mortimer Gunmakers, 1753-1923" by H. Lee Munson. The browned Damascus barrels are smoothbore and have dovetailed brass blade front sights, "H.W. MORTIMER & SON. LONDON./GUN-MAKERS TO HIS MAJESTY." signed on top at the breech, border engraving at the breech, and London proofs and the "crown/HM" maker's mark on the bottom. The serial number is marked on the underside of the barrels and on the upper edge of the locks behind the fence. The standing breeches include integral rear sights and floral and border engraving. The locks are signed "-H.W-/-MORTIMER-/-& SON-" at center and have engraved borders, burst, and floral patterns. The trigger guards have a pineapple finial, "89/FLEET STT" and floral engraving on the bows, and long tangs. The full-length stocks have diamond and circle checkering on the wrists and radiating lines on the pommels. The ramrods have horn tips and one has a covered worm on the other end. The case has green lining, an H.W. Mortimer & Son trade label, two compartment with brass ring pulls, several lead balls, a loading and cleaning rod with a covered ball puller, oiler, brush, jag, spare frizzen spring with roller, extra flints, screwdriver, ball mold marked "WD" and "No 17," and key.

Fine overall. The barrel retains 50% original brown finish, the lock has case colors in the protected areas of the exterior and a bright interior, the furniture retains 60% plus original blue finish and the engraving and markings remain distinct. The stock has crisp checkering, minor marks, a hairline tension crack on the left, tiny hairline cracks at the nose and tail of the lock, a couple dark spots by the toe, and minimal wear. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine and had moderate age and storage wear.

See "A." Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Fine overall with 50% plus original brown finish, light original case colors on the lock exterior, bright lock interior, 60% plus original blue, distinct markings and engraving, and minor overall wear. The stock has crisp checkering, a small flake at the edge on the left side above the flat, and a few light handling and storage marks. Mechanically excellent.