BY ALDEN & SMITH, 55 PARLIAMENT ST., LONDON, NOS. 641 AND 642, CIRCA 1830-35

Details

An Unusual Cased Pair Of 56-Bore Percussion Pistols
By Alden & Smith, 55 Parliament St., London, Nos. 641 and 642, circa 1830-35
With browned twist octagonal sighted barrels signed in full on the top flat, scroll engraved case-hardened patent breeches each with platinum line and engraved platinum plug, shaped tangs finely engraved with scrollwork and each incorporating the back-sight, scroll engraved case-hardened serial numbered detented locks each with blued safety-catch (one hammer spur repaired), figured walnut three-quarter stocks (minor bruising), small rounded chequered semi-saw-handled butts, blued spur trigger-guards finely engraved with scrollwork, case-hardened pommels en suite, silver escutcheons each engraved with a baron's coronet and the initial 'M', single blued ramrod-pipes, blued stirrup ramrods, and most of their original finish: in contemporary fitted serial numbered mahogany case lined in tooled pigskin (minor damage to lining) with accessories including three-way flask, the lid with trade label of 'Smith & Alden from J. Mantons', flush-fitting carrying handle, and circular escutcheon engraved with viscount's coronet and monogram 'EM', London proof marks
11in. (27.9cm.)

Literature

W. Keith Neal and D.H.L. Back, British Gunmakers Their Trade Cards, Cases and Equipment 1760-1860, plate 320

Special notice

VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price plus buyer's premium.

Lot Essay

Robert Alden and Thomas Smith are recorded at 55 Parliament Street, Westminster from 1829 to 1835
Despite the serial number on the case, it seems to have been adapted, presumably by the makers, and the monogram 'EM' appears to be that of a subsequent owner

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