2020 September Premier, Volume I

218
LOT 251
Very Fine Cased Pair of Calvert Flintlock Traveler’s Pistols with
Dagger and Accessories -A) Calvert Coat Pistol - NSN, 62 cal., 3
inch octagon bbl., brown/casehardened/blue finish, walnut stock.
These types of short barrel, large caliber flintlock pistols were popular
for defense in the British Isles in the late 18th century and early 19th
century. They are often called “great coat,” “coat,” or “traveler’s” pistols
since they could be carried within a coat pocket and were popular
with travelers for use in case of confrontation by highwaymen or other
criminals. The matching pair is marked “CALVERTS” on the lock plates
and has light English style engraving on the locks and small parts. The
Calvert family, headed by William Calvert, were active gunmakers in
Leeds in the first half of the 19th century. The locks also have sliding
halfcock safeties and frizzen spring rollers. The smoothbore barrels
are brown finished Damascus with blade front sights and hooked
breeches. The underside of the barrels have a pair of Birmingham
proofs separated by a hallmark, two dots near the breech, and a lightly
stamped “FINE.” “ST” is below the “FINE” on A. The upper tangs/breeches
are grooved for use as rear sights. The bag shaped stocks have some
attractive figure and nicely shaped flats. They come in a hardwood
case with a “JH” initialed lid plaque and green fabric lined interior
fitted to the pair with two lidded compartments, a small powder flask,
bore rod, “IMPROV’D/No. 23” ball mold, dagger with 4 1/8 inch blade
decorated with golden scrollwork on a blue background, six lead balls,
and a wrench. The mold produces undersized .58 caliber balls (.60 is
commonly used in .62 caliber/20 gauge smoothbores). Though this
would loosely fit the bore without the use of a thick patch, the balls could
be loaded much easier and secured with wadding as was common in other
smoothbores in the period. Though the loose fitting balls would not have
been terribly accurate, these pistols were meant for very short ranges and
the British are known for using undersized balls in their muskets and other
military arms to allow for easier loading and allow for more shots between
cleaning. The dagger, mold, and bore rod have matching carved handles. It
is very rare to find complete sets like this, especially in this high condition.
CONDITION: Very fine. The barrel retains 75% plus of the lightly fading
original brown finish and displays rich twist patterns. There is some slight
spotting and several minor scratches. The lock has a dark gray-brown blend
of patina and 60% mottled original case colors. The lower components
retain 30% of the original blue finish. The stock is also very fine and has
only slight dings and marks and a very small chip at the inlet edge above
the cock. Mechanically excellent and has
a crisp maker’s mark. B) Calvert Coat Pistol - NSN, 62 cal., 3 inch octagon
bbl., brown/casehardened/blue finish, walnut stock. See “A.”
CONDITION: Very fine with 80% plus original brown finish and attractive
twist patterns on the barrel mixed with some light spotting and edge wear.
The lock has 50% dark original case colors and light spotting. The lower
components retain 50% of the original blue and have minor oxidation.
The stock is also very fine and has some minor dings and scratches.
Mechanically excellent and has a crisp maker’s mark. The case is fine with
some separation, numerous scratches, and minor cracking. The lining is
fading to yellow on the lid and some edges of the lower compartment. The
accessories are fine. The dagger blade retains 30% of the finish and has mild
pitting. Overall, this is a very fine set.
Estimate: 10000 - 16000