Lot 139: Pair of British Long Sea Service Flintlock Pistols

The barrels of both of these pistols are inscribed "SCALEBY CASTLE" on top at the breech. Scaleby Castle is located in Scaleby in Cumbria in the north of England and was damaged during the English Civil War. The East India Company ship named for the castle was launched in 1798 and made 17 voyages for the company and remained in use until c. 1841. The barrels also have "crown/9" markings and London proof and view marks. The second also has a "crown/B.P" mark. The locks have "crown/V" and "crown/2" markings and are signed "FEARNLEY." Robert Fearnley is noted in "Gunmakers of London" by Blackmore as an ordnance contractor in 1805, and an "A. Fearnley" is also noted as an ordnance contractor in 1815. Belt hooks are on the left, and the other furniture is brass. The pistols have a "crown/S" marking on the left side of the wrists, and the second pistol has an "RF" marking on the left flat. They include a custom table top style display case.

Fine with mostly silver-gray patina, some patches of darker brown patina, and light pitting on the lock and barrel, replacement belt hook, and attractive aged patina on the brass furniture. The stock is also fine and has nice figure, mild dings and scratches, and minor edge wear. Mechanically fine.

See "A."

Good with an artificially applied gray and brown patina visible on the lock and barrel, some light pin prick pitting, dark aged patina on the brass furniture, and mild overall wear. The stock is also fine and has some minor dings and dents, light scratches, and a thin tension crack at the breech. Mechanically fine.