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LOT 3378
Cased Pair of Finely Engraved John Blanch Percussion Double Barrel Pistols Marked for James Watney -A) J. Blanch Double Barrel Pistol - NSN, 67 cal., 6 3/8 inch solid rib bbl., brown/casehardened/ blue finish, walnut stock. The case lid escutcheon
is inscribed “Jas/Watney Esqr,” and the silver wrist escutcheons are inscribed with the Watney family crest. This is presumably James Watney (1800-1884), the famous English brewer who partnered with John Lettsom Elliot and Charles Lambert
to form Elliot, Watney & Co.
and ran the historic Stag
Brewhouse and Brewery in
Pimlico until his death. He
was also the master of the
Mercer’s Company in 1846.
They may have also been
owned by James Watney Jr.
(1832-1886), one of his sons,
who was a Conservative
Member of Parliament,
sportsman, a partner in the
brewing business, and master
of the Mercers’ Company in
1879. The pistols have small
bead front sights and “J.
BLANCH. 29, GRACE CHURCH ST. LONDON” signed on the
concave ribs and “J. BLANCH” signed on the back action
locks which have sliding safeties. The locks and furniture
are engraved with mainly classic scroll and floral patterns.
Swivel mounted ramrods are fitted beneath the barrels.
The stocks have silver wedge escutcheons and checkered
wrists. The pommel caps have small compartments. The
case has a John Blanch trade label, loading/cleaning rod,
balls, ball mold, tow, small powder flask, and cards.
CONDITION: Very fine with nearly all of the period
refinished brown on the barrels along with visible
Damascus patterns,25% original case colors, dark aged
patina on the silver, 70% original blue finish, and general mild wear. The stock is also very fine and has glossy varnish, crisp checkering, light dings and marks, and minor edge wear. The safeties are stiff; otherwise, mechanically fine. The exterior of the case is revarnished, the lining is faded and has a few tears, and the accessories are very good with mild age and storage related wear.
B) J. Blanch Double Barrel Pistol - NSN, 67 cal., 6 3/8 inch solid rib bbl., brown/casehardened/blue finish, walnut stock. See “A.” CONDITION: Very fine with nearly all of the period refinished brown on the barrels as well as distinct twist patterns, light original case colors, 70% original blue finish, dark aged patina on the silver escutcheons, and minor overall wear. The refinished stock is also very fine and has crisp checkering, a minuscule crack above the wedge on the left, and light handling and storage marks. The safeties are stuck; otherwise mechanically fine.
Provenance: The Richard P. Mellon Collection.
Estimate: 7,000 - 10,000
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