Lot Essay
The inscription on the case handle reads: 'William Cuthbert, Esq', NEWCASTLE upon TYNE'
THE FIRST, LONDON SILVER HALLMARKS FOR 1803; THE SECOND DATED 1838
Details
A CASED PAIR OF SILVER-MOUNTED FLINTLOCK DUELLING PISTOLS BY HENRY NOCK, LONDON; AND A RUSSIAN PERCUSSION SERVICE MUSKET
The first, London silver hallmarks for 1803; the second dated 1838
The first each with swamped octagonal sighted twist barrel, cased-hardened patent breech with gold line, gold-lined vent and gold-lined maker's stamp (one entirely defaced), case-hardened breech tang cut with trophies and foliage, plain bevelled lock signed 'H. Nock' and with semi-rainproof pan, roller and safety-catch (one cock incomplete), and figured walnut full stock with chequered flat-sided butt, each with closely matching finely chased silver spurred trigger-guard and ramrod-pipes (very minor differences), one trigger-guard with Birmingham silver hallmarks for 1831, maker's mark F and J, one pistol retaining it original ramrod, and each with traces of original finish (the steel parts rusted throughout): in original fitted mahogany case lined in green baize, the lid with illustrated trade label with Ludgate Street address (fourth type), flush-fitting bow handle engraved with the owner's name, and some original accessories including a leather-covered three-way flask (the entire set in much neglected but untouched condition, the case joinery very deteriorated, and the front and one side wall of the detached lid each missing); the second .650 calibre, rebuilt from flintlock,with Tula lock and brass mounts all dated 1838, full stock and orginal leather sling.
The first 15in. (38.1cm.), the second 41½in. (105.5cm.) barrel (2)
The first, London silver hallmarks for 1803; the second dated 1838
The first each with swamped octagonal sighted twist barrel, cased-hardened patent breech with gold line, gold-lined vent and gold-lined maker's stamp (one entirely defaced), case-hardened breech tang cut with trophies and foliage, plain bevelled lock signed 'H. Nock' and with semi-rainproof pan, roller and safety-catch (one cock incomplete), and figured walnut full stock with chequered flat-sided butt, each with closely matching finely chased silver spurred trigger-guard and ramrod-pipes (very minor differences), one trigger-guard with Birmingham silver hallmarks for 1831, maker's mark F and J, one pistol retaining it original ramrod, and each with traces of original finish (the steel parts rusted throughout): in original fitted mahogany case lined in green baize, the lid with illustrated trade label with Ludgate Street address (fourth type), flush-fitting bow handle engraved with the owner's name, and some original accessories including a leather-covered three-way flask (the entire set in much neglected but untouched condition, the case joinery very deteriorated, and the front and one side wall of the detached lid each missing); the second .650 calibre, rebuilt from flintlock,with Tula lock and brass mounts all dated 1838, full stock and orginal leather sling.
The first 15in. (38.1cm.), the second 41½in. (105.5cm.) barrel (2)
Special notice
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium, which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.