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Lot 3378:Cased Pair John Blanch Percussion Double Barrel Pistols

September 12th, 2021|Rock Island, IL

Lot 3378:Cased Pair John Blanch Percussion Double Barrel Pistols

September 12th, 2021|Rock Island, IL

Price Realized:

Estimated Price$7,000 - $10,000

A) J. Blanch Double Barrel Pistol

The case lid escutcheon is inscribed "Jas/Watney Esqr," and the silver wrist escutcheons are inscribed with the Watney family crest. This is presumably James Watney (1800-1884), the famous English brewer who partnered with John Lettsom Elliot and Charles Lambert to form Elliot, Watney & Co. and ran the historic Stag Brewhouse and Brewery in Pimlico until his death. He was also the master of the Mercer's Company in 1846. They may have also been owned by James Watney Jr. (1832-1886), one of his sons, who was a Conservative Member of Parliament, sportsman, a partner in the brewing business, and master of the Mercers' Company in 1879. The pistols have small bead front sights and "J. BLANCH. 29, GRACE CHURCH ST. LONDON" signed on the concave ribs and "J. BLANCH" signed on the back action locks which have sliding safeties. The locks and furniture are engraved with mainly classic scroll and floral patterns. Swivel mounted ramrods are fitted beneath the barrels. The stocks have silver wedge escutcheons and checkered wrists. The pommel caps have small compartments. The case has a John Blanch trade label, loading/cleaning rod, balls, ball mold, tow, small powder flask, and cards.

ConditionVery fine with nearly all of the period refinished brown on the barrels along with visible Damascus patterns,25% original case colors, dark aged patina on the silver, 70% original blue finish, and general mild wear. The stock is also very fine and has glossy varnish, crisp checkering, light dings and marks, and minor edge wear. The safeties are stiff; otherwise, mechanically fine. The exterior of the case is revarnished, the lining is faded and has a few tears, and the accessories are very good with mild age and storage related wear.

Details

ManufacturerBlanch John

ModelPercussion

TypePistol

ClassAntique

Caliber / Gauge67

Barrel6 3/8 inch solid rib

Finishbrown/casehardened/blue

Stockwalnut

Item LocationRock Island, IL

Catalog page208

B) J. Blanch Double Barrel Pistol

See "A." Provenance: The Richard P. Mellon Collection

ConditionVery fine with nearly all of the period refinished brown on the barrels as well as distinct twist patterns, light original case colors, 70% original blue finish, dark aged patina on the silver escutcheons, and minor overall wear. The refinished stock is also very fine and has crisp checkering, a minuscule crack above the wedge on the left, and light handling and storage marks. The safeties are stuck; otherwise mechanically fine.