.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
The late owner's handwritten note in the case reads: 'This fine pepperbox came from the Claude Falkiner Collection by purchase. He used to display his pistols in various billiard saloons he owned up & down the country - in the old days, I can remember seeing them in a Lake District saloon. Those were good honest - safe days! Gone now!'
Claude Falkiner was a world-class billiards player, who was runner-up in the British Professional Billiards Championship in 1920 and 1922. Born in Yorkshire on 11 July 1885, he started life as a coalminer. He formed a small collection of decorated helmets, swords and firearms, which included some very good pieces, and although lacking a knowledge of weapons, had the benefit of a good "eye". In the 1950s he lived in Bournemouth, and died in about 1960, having disposed of most of his pieces by private treaty to R.T. Gwynn (for instance the Innsbruck close-helmet of circa 1510 sold in these Rooms on 24 April this year, lot 83), A.R. Dufty, and Eric Pasold
Claude Falkiner was a world-class billiards player, who was runner-up in the British Professional Billiards Championship in 1920 and 1922. Born in Yorkshire on 11 July 1885, he started life as a coalminer. He formed a small collection of decorated helmets, swords and firearms, which included some very good pieces, and although lacking a knowledge of weapons, had the benefit of a good "eye". In the 1950s he lived in Bournemouth, and died in about 1960, having disposed of most of his pieces by private treaty to R.T. Gwynn (for instance the Innsbruck close-helmet of circa 1510 sold in these Rooms on 24 April this year, lot 83), A.R. Dufty, and Eric Pasold