Lot Essay
James, 4th Earl Fife, was a general in the service of Spain, who distinguished himself in the Penisular War, being wounded at the Battle of Talavera
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BY FORSYTH & CO. PATENT GUN MAKER'S (SIC), LONDON, NO. 3045, CIRCA 1823
Details
A Rare 48-Bore Forsyth Patent Sliding Primer Duelling Pistol
By Forsyth & Co. Patent Gun Maker's (sic), London, No. 3045, circa 1823
With heavy rebrowned twist octagonal sighted barrel (some minor surface pitting) signed in full on the top flat, case-hardened patent breech with two platinum lines, finely engraved tang incorporating the back-sight, signed detented serial numbered flat bevelled lock with characteristic foliate engraving, safety-catch, and stepped rounded tail, figured walnut half-stock (minor bruising, filled repairs at the left barrel-bolt escutcheon), chequered butt, iron mounts with characteristic engraving, silver fore-end cap, silver escutcheon engraved with owner's crest and motto of Duff, original horn-tipped ramrod, set trigger, and some original finish (barrel-bolt and left barrel-bolt escutcheon damaged, small dent in ramrod-rib), London proof marks, the barrel forged by William Fullerd
15in. (38.1cm.)
By Forsyth & Co. Patent Gun Maker's (sic), London, No. 3045, circa 1823
With heavy rebrowned twist octagonal sighted barrel (some minor surface pitting) signed in full on the top flat, case-hardened patent breech with two platinum lines, finely engraved tang incorporating the back-sight, signed detented serial numbered flat bevelled lock with characteristic foliate engraving, safety-catch, and stepped rounded tail, figured walnut half-stock (minor bruising, filled repairs at the left barrel-bolt escutcheon), chequered butt, iron mounts with characteristic engraving, silver fore-end cap, silver escutcheon engraved with owner's crest and motto of Duff, original horn-tipped ramrod, set trigger, and some original finish (barrel-bolt and left barrel-bolt escutcheon damaged, small dent in ramrod-rib), London proof marks, the barrel forged by William Fullerd
15in. (38.1cm.)
Provenance
(Probably) James, 4th Earl Fife (1776-1857)
Literature
W. Keith Neal and D.H.L. Back, Forsyth & Co.: Patent Gunmakers, pp. 14, 56-57, plates 35 and 36
W. Keith Neal, Collecting Duelling Pistols, p. 11, plate 14
D.H.L. Back, Forsyth & Co.: Patent Gunmakers, pp. 24, 45, plate 28 and colour plate X
W. Keith Neal, Collecting Duelling Pistols, p. 11, plate 14
D.H.L. Back, Forsyth & Co.: Patent Gunmakers, pp. 24, 45, plate 28 and colour plate X
Special notice
VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price plus buyer's premium.