Lot Essay
Cf. a very similar pair of pistols, serial number 707, sold at Christie's South Kensington, 12 December 1997, lot 186
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SIGNED WESTLEY RICHARDS, 170 NEW BOND ST., LONDON, NO. 633, CIRCA 1840
Details
A Fine Cased Pair Of 32-Bore Percussion Duelling Pistols
Signed Westley Richards, 170 New Bond St., London, No. 633, circa 1840
With browned octagonal sighted barrels signed in full on the top flat, engraved case-hardened patent breeches each with two platinum lines and pierced platinum plug, scroll engraved case-hardened tangs each incorporating the back-sight, signed scroll engraved case-hardened detented locks with safety-catches (one hammer spur repaired), figured walnut half-stocks (minor bruising), chequered butts, blued iron trigger-guards each engraved with a different duelling scene, case-hardened trigger-plates each with pineapple finial, case-hardened pommels each incorporating a butt-trap with scroll engraved hinged cover, set triggers, silver escutcheons and barrel-bolt escutcheons, horn fore-end caps, and most of their original finish throughout: in original lined and fitted mahogany case with accessories including Dixon three-way flask, the lid with trade label and flush-fitting carrying handle, Birmingham proof marks, barrelsmith's mark GT
15in. (40cm.)
Signed Westley Richards, 170 New Bond St., London, No. 633, circa 1840
With browned octagonal sighted barrels signed in full on the top flat, engraved case-hardened patent breeches each with two platinum lines and pierced platinum plug, scroll engraved case-hardened tangs each incorporating the back-sight, signed scroll engraved case-hardened detented locks with safety-catches (one hammer spur repaired), figured walnut half-stocks (minor bruising), chequered butts, blued iron trigger-guards each engraved with a different duelling scene, case-hardened trigger-plates each with pineapple finial, case-hardened pommels each incorporating a butt-trap with scroll engraved hinged cover, set triggers, silver escutcheons and barrel-bolt escutcheons, horn fore-end caps, and most of their original finish throughout: in original lined and fitted mahogany case with accessories including Dixon three-way flask, the lid with trade label and flush-fitting carrying handle, Birmingham proof marks, barrelsmith's mark GT
15in. (40cm.)