Lot Essay
A similar pistol by this maker is in the Smithsonian Institution (Acc.no. 5128). See H. Lee Munson, The Mortimer Gunmakers 1753-1923, p.184, pl.282/3
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CIRCA 1795
Details
A FLINTLOCK DUELLING PISTOL BY H.W. MORTIMER, LONDON, GUN MAKER TO HIS MAJESTY
Circa 1795
With signed blued octagonal sighted barrel inlaid with an engraved gold line between engraved bands over the breech, gold-lined vent, engraved case-hardened stepped lock signed in cursive letters, gold-lined pan, blued safety-catch and roller, highly figured walnut half-stock, the butt chequered and characteristically decorated with a boldly fanned volute terminal finely carved in low relief, engraved case-hardened trigger-guard and ramrod-pipe, silver fore-end cap and bolt escutcheons, set trigger, and original horn-tipped ramrod, London proof marks (the steel parts expertly refinished).
18in (45.7cm)
Circa 1795
With signed blued octagonal sighted barrel inlaid with an engraved gold line between engraved bands over the breech, gold-lined vent, engraved case-hardened stepped lock signed in cursive letters, gold-lined pan, blued safety-catch and roller, highly figured walnut half-stock, the butt chequered and characteristically decorated with a boldly fanned volute terminal finely carved in low relief, engraved case-hardened trigger-guard and ramrod-pipe, silver fore-end cap and bolt escutcheons, set trigger, and original horn-tipped ramrod, London proof marks (the steel parts expertly refinished).
18
Special notice
VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price and at 15% on the buyer's premium