A Rare 40-Bore Flintlock Overcoat Pistol For An Inspector Of Mail Coaches
322
A Rare 40-Bore Flintlock Overcoat Pistol For An Inspector Of Mail Coaches
By J. Harding & Son, Bor'o, London, Circa 1835
With stout two-stage barrel, octagonal breech signed along the top and struck with the maker's Royal Mail mark on the left, border engraved tang decorated with foliage, signed border engraved flat bevelled lock (cock repaired) with foliage at the stepped tail and struck with further maker's Royal Mail mark behind the pan, safety-catch and roller, figured full stock (minor bruising) with rounded butt, brass trigger-guard and ramrod-pipe, the former with small pineapple finial and engraved with a flower-head on the bow, and horn-tipped ramrod, probably original, London proof marks
10.3 cm. barrel
Sold for £2,250 inc. premium

Footnotes

  • James Harding is recorded as Gunmaker to General Post Office. He was at various numbers in Blackman Street, Borough, between 1810 and 1833, and in partnership with his son at various addresses in Borough from 1834 to 1843. For more information and for a very similar example in the Royal Armouries, Leeds (inv. no. XII. 1865), see Frederick Wilkinson, Those Entrusted With Arms ..., 2002, pp. 106, 121-123, 254-258, Appendix 4.1. For a further pair, formerly in the Dr. Robert Rabett Collection and sold in these Rooms, see Fine Antique Arms and Armour..., 30 November 2011, lot 539

Category: Arms and Armour

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