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Lot 3245:Pair of Engraved H. Nock Percussion Conversion Pistols

May 15th, 2022|Rock Island, IL

Lot 3245:Pair of Engraved H. Nock Percussion Conversion Pistols

May 15th, 2022|Rock Island, IL

Price Realized:

Estimated Price$4,500 - $7,000

A) H. Nock Percussion Pistol

These pistols were manufactured after Henry Nock's death in 1804 given the post-1813 Birmingham proofs on the barrels as fine period "knock-offs" using his name's reputation. As smoothbore pistols with fixed sights, these pistols would have been suitable for dueling, but their overall build suggests they were probably designed as traveling pistols for defense rather than purpose built dueling pistols. The Damascus barrels are smoothbore and have post front sights, "-> H. NOCK LONDON <-" on top at the breech sections, and platinum bands at the breech ends. The casehardened standing breeches have integral notch rear sights. The locks are signed "H NOCK" and have stepped tails and fine English engraving. The blued trigger guards have pineapple style finials and martial motifs on the rather substantial bows. The pistols are equipped with adjustable single set triggers. The wedge plates and wrist inlays are silver. The stocks have horn forend tips and checkered, bag shaped wrists. The case contains a cleaning rod, small powder flask, and a 42 bore (.48 caliber) ball mold.

ConditionFine with 60% plus of the period refinished brown and distinct Damascus twist patterns on the barrel, some pitting at the breech, patterns of case colors remaining on the lock, 30% original blue on the trigger guard, aged patina on the silver, and mild overall wear. The stock is good with crisp checkering, nice figure, repaired cracks at the edges of the forend, and moderate scrapes and dings on the left flat. The trigger needs some adjustments; otherwise, the pistol is mechanically fine. The relined case and accessories are good with moderate age and storage wear.

Details

ManufacturerEnglish

Modelconversion

TypePistol

ClassAntique

Caliber / Gauge62

Barrel8 3/8 inch octagon

Finishbrown/casehardened/blue

Stockwalnut

Item LocationRock Island, IL

Catalog page142

B) H. Nock Percussion Pistol

See "A."

ConditionFine with 70% plus period refinished brown and nice twist patterns along the barrel, some mild pitting at the breech, 40% case colors on the lock, aged patina on the silver, 20% original blue on the trigger guard mostly inside the bow, and mild overall wear. The stock is very good with some spots of wear in the otherwise crisp checkering, moderate scrapes and dings most notably on the left flat, and some small flakes at the edges of the lock mortise. Mechanically fine.