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Lot 331

An Exceptionally Fine And Rare Cased 64-Bore Seven-Shot Percussion 'Turret' Revolver
By James Wilkinson & Son, No. 27 Pall Mall, London, No. 5158 For 1839

25 July 2012, 10:00 BST
London, Knightsbridge

Sold for £40,850 inc. premium

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An Exceptionally Fine And Rare Cased 64-Bore Seven-Shot Percussion 'Turret' Revolver
By James Wilkinson & Son, No. 27 Pall Mall, London, No. 5158 For 1839

With browned twist octagonal sighted barrel, case-hardened hinged top-strap released by a stud at the rear, the surface finely engraved with foliate scrollwork and signed 'Wilkinson & Son/Pall Mall/London/8/Patent 5158', large spring-loaded screw-head forming the back-sight and also activating the blued cylinder release catch, engraved case-hardened flash-shield, blued under-hammer and trigger, large square-backed blued trigger-guard finely engraved with scrollwork, serial numbered case-hardened tang, chequered figured butt with oval pommel, and in fine condition retaining virtually all its original finish: in original lined and fitted mahogany case containing numerous accessories including combined rammer and bullet mould, Sykes three-way flask in fine condition retaining all its lacquered finish, and two flat case-hardened cylinders each inscribed 'Wilkinson & Son/8/Patent/5158, the interior of the lid with post-1837 trade label, the exterior with flush-fitting brass carrying handle centred on a vacant circular brass escutcheon (key-hole escutcheon missing), London proof marks
10.5 cm. barrel, 28.6 cm. overall

Footnotes

Provenance:
W. Keith Neal Collection, C102
Christie's London, Fine Antique Firearms from the W. Keith Neal Collection, 25 October 2001, lot 170

Literature:
W. Keith Neal and D.H.L. Back, British Gunmakers Their Trade Cards, Cases and Equipment 1760-1860, 1980, pl. 506

Originally supplied to Sir J. Campbell in September 1839 (offered with a colour photocopy of the maker's ledger entry)

This pistol is constructed to Moses Poole's British Patent No. 7286 of 19 January 1837, probably designed by the American, J.W. Cochran of New York City. It is believed that only about seventeen 'turret' longarms and pistols were made. A.W.F. Taylerson records 'A few pistols were made on this system, but it was principally used in longarms'. A very similar cased pistol (no. 5125) used by Lord Egerton, sportsman, author, and poet, is preserved in the Royal Armouries, Leeds (inv. no. XII. 3899)

Additional information

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