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LOT 324
Massive Cased Pair of Engraved J.D. Dougall Percussion Pistols
-A) J.D. Dougall Percussion Pistol - NSN, 68 cal., 11 3/8 inch octagon bbl., brown/
casehardened/blue finish, walnut stock. James D. Dougall was established in Glasgow
as fishing tackle maker and transitioned over to gunmaking and had a shop in London
in 1863 after introducing his Lockfast action the year prior at the World’s Fair in London.
These large bore pistols featured especially fine and dense scroll engraving that even
extends onto the breech end of the barrel. The smoothbore Damascus barrels have bead
style front sights and are signed “J.D. DOUGALL. 59 ST. JAMES’S STREET LONDON” and
marked with London proofs. There are no rear sights. The breech plugs have pierced
platinum plugs. The locks are signed “J.D. DOUGALL.” in banners. The half-length stocks
have horn forend caps, blank gold wrist escutcheons, checkered wrists with attractive
borders, and compartments in the pommels. The case has a J.D. Dougall trade label
referencing the “Lockfast Breechloading Gun & Rifle” and also contains an assortment of
loading and maintenance accoutrements, including rods, rod attachments, a patch cutter, screwdriver,
nipple wrench, James Dixon & Sons flask, turned container with two spare nipples, an oiler, and cap tin.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine with 95% of the original brown and casehardened finish and 70% plus of the original blue finish on the trigger guard. The barrel has distinct Damascus patterns. The engraving and markings remain crisp throughout. The stock is also very fine and has crisp checkering and minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. The case and accessories are very good with some minor age and storage wear including some staining and contact wear on the
label and lining. B) J.D. Dougall Percussion Pistol - NSN, 68 cal., 11 3/8 inch octagon bbl., brown/casehardened/blue finish, walnut stock. See “A.”
CONDITION: Excellent with 90% plus of the brown finish, 95% casehardened finish, and 70% plus of the original blue finish on the trigger guard. The minor fading
is mainly at the edges and lower tang. The barrel has distinct Damascus patterns. The engraving and markings remain crisp throughout. The stock is also excellent and has crisp checkering and a few very minor handling and storage marks. Mechanically functions fine but is missing the half-cock notch. This is definitely a very attractive cased pair of powerful percussion pistols that was well-suited for a well-to-do British gentleman, particularly a military officer.
Provenance: The Richard P. Mellon Collection.
Estimate: 13,000 - 19,000
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