Page 238 - Auction84-Book1

236
LOT 384
Elaborate Presentation Exhibition Grade
Cased Pair of Engraved, Gold Inlaid, and Wire Accented Percussion Pistols with Ottoman Inscriptions
-A) Percussion Pistol -
Serial no. 1648, 50 cal., 10 inch
octagon bbl., bright/gold/casehardened finish, walnut stock. These mid-19th century officer’s pistols are highly ornamented and in very fine condition. There are calligraphic inscriptions on the case lid and wrist that have previously been identified as for Shahin Pasha, a Dagestani born, Russian educated Ottoman major general and deputy head of the quarter master general’s department. “LF” over a rampant beast in an escutcheon on the upper tangs. Liege provisional proofs, “LF,” and “1648/51” on the bottom of the barrels. The latter are also marked on the face of the standing breech. “51” is also marked on the left side of the barrels and breech plugs. “51” may be for the year 1851. The rifled, Damascus barrels have blade front sights and gold and silver inlays forming borders, stars, and floral patterns. The casehardened breech plugs, standing breeches, and locks have gold borders and engraved checkered patterns with silver pins. The breech plugs and standing breeches have “1” (A) and “2” (B) in gold inlay, and the latter have notch rear sights. The elaborately cast furniture is gilded and has mainly cast raised floral scroll patterns. The stocks also have wire inlaid scroll patterns. The case exterior has ornate brass inlays in scroll patterns. The interior is closely fitted to the pistols and the included Dixon & Sons combination powder flask, screwdriver/nipple wrench, double cavity ball mold with checkered pattern, oiler, container, and ladle.
CONDITION: Extremely fine with bright original gold, light patina on the silver and otherwise bright barrel, finely textured Damascus patterns along the barrel, crisp engraving, and generally only minimal light age and handling related wear. The stock is very fine and has smooth surfaces, attractive figure, and minimal light marks and scratches. Mechanically fine. The case and accessories are all fine and have mild age and storage related wear primarily on the case exterior and some compression/contact marks on the lining inside.
B) Percussion Pistol - Serial no. 1648, 50 cal., 10 inch octagon bbl., bright/gold/casehardened finish, walnut stock. See “A.”
CONDITION: Extremely fine with bright original gold, strong original case colors, mostly bright barrel with distinct textured Damascus patterns, and minimal light wear overall from age and handling. The stock is very fine and has attractive figure, some slight surface scratches, and a very faint crack on the forend near the tip on the left. Mechanically fine. This is a very attractive and high condition cased pair of pistols certainly suitable for presentation to an Ottoman leader in the mid 19th century.
Estimate: 25,000 - 40,000