A CASED PAIR OF 54-BORE FLINTLOCK TRAVELLING PISTOLS

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A CASED PAIR OF 54-BORE FLINTLOCK TRAVELLING PISTOLS

SIGNED WILLIAM SMITH, LISLE ST. LONDON, NO. 1636, FOR 1814

With signed rebrowned twist octagonal sighted barrels each with gold line at the breech and platinum-lined touch-hole, engraved tangs each incorporating a back-sight, signed bevelled case-hardened locks each with engraved stepped tail, safety-catch, roller, and semi-rainproof pan (each cock a working replacement), figured walnut full stocks, chequered butts, engraved iron mounts, and brass-tipped ramrods: in lined and fitted mahogany case with accessories including three-way flask, the lid with trade label of W. Smith, No. 59, Princes Street, Leicester Square for circa 1820-22, and with small brass plaque engraved 'J.L. Sheppard St. Johns Coll.', Birmingham proof marks
6¾in.

Lot Essay

William Smith probably started his serial numbers at 1000. No serial number below 1000 has been found

John Lewin Sheppard was admitted to St. John's on 7 April 1814 and took his B.A. degree in 1818. Born 5 August 1794, he was ordained deacon on 6 June 1819 by the Bishop of Salisbury, and became curate of Pershore, Worcestershire. He died unmarried on 10 August 1821, aged 27. He was a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries

Christie's gratefully acknowleges the help of Peter Scott-Edeson in dating the firearms by William and Samuel and Charles Smith

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