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LOT 1340
Cased Finely Engraved Wilkinson Double Barrel Percussion “Howdah” Pistol Inscribed with the Crests of the 8th Earl of Kintore - NSN, 69 cal., 7 1/2
inch solid rib bbl., brown/casehardened/blue finish, walnut stock. James Wilkinson & Son were active at 27 Pall Mall in 1829-1852. This pistol has smoothbore Damascus barrels, a brass bead front sight on the concave rib which is signed “-PALL MALL LONDON-”, London proofs, platinum plugs, silver wedge escutcheons, swivel mounted ramrod, “WILKINSON” signed in a banner on each lock, sliding safeties, primarily scroll and floral engraving, small compartment in the pommel cap, and checkered wrist. The silver wrist escutcheon is inscribed with a crest of a noble lady holding a garland and a second crest of a kneeling angel praying surrounded by laurel branch. The case has a James Wilkinson & Son label inside the lid at center, an Edward London label to the right, cleaning and loading rod, several balls, small powder flask, wrench, and wads. The crests on the wrist escutcheon suggest this pistol was owned by Francis Keith-Falconer, 8th Earl of Kintore (1828-1880), or one of his sons as these are the crests of Clan Keith and Clan Falconer. The 8th Earl of Kintore was Lord Lieutenant of Kincardineshire in 1856-1863 and then Lord Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire until his death. CONDITION: Fine with nearly all of the period refurbished brown finish and twist patterns visible on the barrels, traces of original case colors, 30% original blue on the trigger guard, minor pitting by the replacement nipples, aged patina on the silver, crisp engraving, and minor overall wear. The stock is also fine and has scattered minor marks in the otherwise crisp checkering, light scratches and dings, and minor edge wear. Mechanically excellent. The case and accessories are also fine with minor age and storage related wear. Provenance: The Richard P. Mellon Collection. Estimate: 5,000 - 8,000
LOT 1341 Finely Engraved Massive English Side by Side Percussion “Howdah” Pistol with Snap Bayonet - NSN, 72 cal., 7 3/4 inch solid rib bbl., brown/casehardened/blue finish, walnut stock. The only markings found on this pistols are “LONDON” on the barrel rib, Birmingham proofs on the bottom of the barrels, and the initials “T.C.” neatly inscribed on the butt. The bayonet is 7 1/2 inches in overall length and springs into place when the retainer on the upper tang is pulled back. A swivel mounted ramrod is mounted below the barrels. There is some simple scroll and border engraving. The stock has a horn forend cap, German-silver escutcheons, a checkered wrist, and a flared pommel. CONDITION: Very good plus with gray and brown patina, mild oxidation/pitting, and general minor marks and scratches. The stock is fine and has some scratches and dings with otherwise distinct checkering. Mechanically fine. Estimate: 2,000 - 3,500
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