Page 197 - Auction84-Book2

LOT 1394
Caron Cased Pair of Engraved Liege Proofed Boxlock Percussion Muff Pistols -A) Liege Proofed Muff Pistol - NSN, 45 cal., 1 3/4 inch round bbl., brown/bright finish, antique ivory grips. This pair of pistols does not have maker’s marks but was likely manufactured by Alphonse Caron of Paris or his son c. the mid-1800’s. The pistols each have Liege proofs on the left of the breech as well as “crown/L” and “D” on the bottom of the breeches. The locks both feature near full coverage floral scroll engraving, and the twist off barrels show an attractive Damascus twist. They are fitted with notch rear sights, sculpted fences, and folding triggers, as well as smooth antique ivory grips with carved flats. The pair are housed in a leather wrapped, lightly tooled, hardwood case with gold “CARON/ARQUEBUSIER DU ROI/PASSAGE DE L’OPERA N 20” inside the lid, lined in dark blue baize, and French fit for both pistols along with the included ball mold and antique ivory powder flask. CONDITION: Very good, showing mostly a bright grey patina with traces of the original brown and attractive Damascus twist pattern on the barrel. The grip is good with a minor crack in each of the flats and a few hairline age cracks. Mechanically excellent. B) Liege Proofed Muff Pistol - NSN, 45 cal., 1 3/4 inch round bbl., brown/bright finish, antique ivory grips. See “A”. CONDITION: Very good, showing mostly a bright grey patina with traces of the original brown, attractive twist pattern on the barrel, and a patch of brown patina on the upper right of the barrel at the breech. The grip is good with a repaired splice on the upper left and a few scattered hairline age cracks. Mechanically excellent. The case and accessories are very good generally showing mild wear. Estimate: 2,500 - 4,000 LOT 1395 Cased Pair of Engraved Liege Proofed Double Barrel Boxlock Percussion Pistols with Dagger and Accessories -A) Liege Proofed Double Barrel Pistol - NSN, 40 cal., 3 inch round bbl., brown/bright finish, ebony grips. This pair of pistols are very French in their style and show almost full coverage floral scroll engraving on the frames/locks. Each is marked with a Liege proof on the left of the frame amongst the engraving, and there are “crown/N” proofs on the left side of all four barrels. The bottom of the breech on both is marked “JC”, which may be a maker’s mark. They are each fitted with two twist-off, Damascus twist barrels arranged in an over/under configuration, lightly sculpted fences, side by side hammers, a fluted ebony grip with scalloped flats, and a small compartment in the butt. They are housed in a dark hardwood case with brass inlays on the lid including borders, floral motifs, and an escutcheon engraved “C.. N..” Also included in the case is a spear point dagger (8 3/4 inches overall), turnscrew, and nipple wrench, all with dark hardwood handles, as well as a ball mold, powder flask, oiler, and dark hardwood cap container, along with some balls and patches. CONDITION: Very good, showing mostly a bright grey patina, traces of the original brown finish and attractive Damascus patterns on the barrels, some scattered light pitting, and crisp engraving overall. The grip is fine with a few scattered light dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. B) Liege Proofed Double Barrel Pistol - NSN, 40 cal., 3 inch round bbl., brown/bright finish, ebony grips. See “A”. CONDITION: Very good, showing mostly a bright grey patina and traces of the original brown finish and attractive Damascus patterns on the barrels, some light flash pitting, and crisp engraving. The grip is very fine with a few scattered light dings and crisp carving. Mechanically excellent. The case and accessories are very fine with some light handling/storage evidence. Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
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