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LOT 1342
Cased Pair of Engraved Charles Lancaster Percussion Pistols
-A) Lancaster Percussion Pistol - Serial no. 1478, 65 cal., 7 1/2 inch flat top round bbl., brown/casehardened/ blue/silver finish, walnut stock. These mid-19th century pistols from Charles Lancaster have smoothbore “carbine bore” barrels with bead front sights, “CHARLES LANCASTER 151 NEW BOND STREET LONDON” on top, and platinum banded and plugged patent breeches. Swivel mounted ramrods are fitted underneath. The locks are signed “C. LANCASTER/LONDON.” in banners, have sliding safeties, and feature fine scroll engraving along with bestial designs on the hammers. Most of the furniture is also engraved with dense coverage floral and scroll engraving. The wedge and wrist escutcheon’s are silver. The wrists are finely checkered. They come in a fitted hardwood case with Lancaster trade label and a suite of loading and maintenance accessories, including loading/ cleaning rod, ball mold, cutter, containers, red leather wrapped powder flask, screwdriver,
nipple wrench, cap tin and more.
CONDITION: Excellent with 90% plus finish throughout, distinct twist patterns on the barrel, aged patina on the silver, and crisp markings and engraving. The stock has some light marks and scratches, glossy finish, and minor wear on the otherwise crisp checkering. Mechanically fine, but the trigger return spring is weak. The case and accessories are all very fine and have generally light age and storage related wear.
B) Lancaster Percussion Pistol - Serial no. 1479, 65 cal., 7 1/2 inch flat top round bbl., brown/casehardened/ blue/silver finish, walnut stock. See “A.”
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine overall with 85% plus finish, crisp markings and engraving, dark aged patina on the silver, crisp checkering, and minimal overall wear. Mechanically fine. This is a beautiful cased pair from renowned British gunmaker Charles Lancaster.
Provenance: The Richard P. Mellon Collection.
Estimate: 8,500 - 13,000
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