2020 September Premier, Volume I

242
LOT 275
Attractive Cased Pair of
Exhibition Quality Gold
Inlaid, Relief Chiseled,
and Relief Carved
Percussion Pistols
-A) Exhibition Quality
Percussion Pistol - NSN,
50 cal., 9 1/2 inch octagon
bbl., gold/gray finish,
relief carved ebony stock. These classic French/Belgian 1850-1870s
dueling style pistols have no visible identifying markings aside from “1” and “2”
respectively on the barrels and upper tangs in gold and Liege proofs on the left side
of the barrels. They have rifled bores, fine blade and notch sights, and extensive
ornamentation. The barrels, locks, and furniture are sculpted, and engraved with
scroll, shell, star, and floral patterns accented by gold inlaid borders which are also
engraved and feature floral blooms. The trigger guards are complex and sculpted
with scrolls and have spurs. The ebony stocks have extensive scroll and floral
carving and fluted wrists. They come in a closely fitted case with engraved, pierced,
brass designs around the key hole and the lid. The central escutcheon on the lid
is engraved with “M.N.V.” In addition to the pistols, the case contains loading and
cleaning rods, worm, brush, a scroll carved mallet, two carved containers, sculpted
screwdriver and nipple wrench with carved handles, silver and gold combination
powder flask, and two ball molds.
CONDITION: Very fine with crisp engraving and bright original gold throughout,
dark gray patina on the remaining metal, and some light oxidation. The stock
is also very fine and has crisp carving and minor age and storage related wear.
Mechanically excellent. The case is fine and has mild overall wear such as scratches
and marks on the wood and some fading and staining on the lining. The accessories
are all fine and have generally light storage wear.
B) Exhibition Quality Percussion Pistol - NSN, 50 cal., 9 1/2 inch octagon bbl.,
gold/gray finish, ebony stock. See “A.”
CONDITION: Very fine with crisp engraving and bright original gold throughout,
dark gray patina on the remaining metal, small crack in the hammer, and some
spots of light oxidation. The stock is also very fine and has crisp carving and minor
age and storage related wear including a few scratches. Mechanically excellent. This
is a very attractive and classic pair of exhibition quality European percussion pistols.
Estimate: 9000 - 14000