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LOT 293
Very Fine Cased Pair of H.W. Mortimer & Son Carbine Bore Flintlock Pistols
-A) H.W. Mortimer & Son Flintlock Pistol - Serial no. 1400, 65 cal., 10 inch octagon
bbl., brown/casehardened/blue finish, walnut stock. 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.
CONDITION: 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.
B) H.W. Mortimer & Son Flintlock Pistol - Serial no. 1400, 65 cal., 10 inch octagon bbl., brown/ casehardened/blue finish, walnut stock. See “A.”
CONDITION: 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.
Provenance: The George Moller Collection.
Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500
Engraved and Silver and Gold Accented Pair of H.W. Mortimer Flintlock Dueling Pistols -A) H.W. Mortimer Dueling Pistol - NSN, 58 cal., 10 1/4 inch octagon bbl., brown/ gold/silver/casehardened/blue finish, walnut stock. This late 18th century pair of dueling pistols from Harvey Walklate Mortimer (1753-1819) has smoothbore Damascus barrels with dovetailed blade front sights, gold bands and vent liners at the breeches along with “H.W./MORTIMER” sunken gold maker’s marks on top, integral notch rear sights on the upper tangs along with floral and classical martial themed engraving, “H.W. Mortimer” signed lockplates, gold lined pans, rollers on the frizzens riding on small ramps on the frizzen springs, sliding safeties, burst pattern engraving on the stepped tails of the locks, spurred trigger guards with gilt oval crests consisting of a rampant collard dog over a crown on the bows along with pineapple and vase design rigger guard finials, adjustable single set triggers, silver forend caps and wedge escutcheons, checkered wrists with chevron molding, and a carved scroll and shell design on the pommels. CONDITION: Fine out of the attic condition with mostly dark patina throughout including an attractive dark aged patina on the silver fittings. The barrel retains distinct Damascus patterns and has original
brown finish blended with the patina. The right ear of the rear sight is chipped. The stock is also fine and has crisp checkering and carving and some scratches and dings. The safety is frozen, but the pistol is otherwise mechanically fine. B) H.W. Mortimer Dueling Pistol - NSN, 58 cal., 10 1/4 inch octagon bbl., brown/gold/silver/casehardened/blue finish, walnut stock. See “A.” CONDITION: Fine out of the attic condition with dark patina throughout, including dark aged patina on the silver. The markings and engraving remain distinct, and Damascus patterns remain visible along the barrel along with significant original brown finish blended with the patina. The stock is also fine and has crisp carving and checkering, a small flake at the nose of the lock, and general small scratches and dings. Mechanically fine. This is a classic pair of British dueling pistols by a talented maker that have clearly been untouched for a significant period of time. Estimate: 2,750 - 4,250
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