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Lot 5386ANTIQUE
An extraordinary cased exhibition grade pair of Liegoise percussion pistolsmid-19th century
11 June 2012, 10:00 PDT
San FranciscoSold for US$26,910 inc. premium
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An extraordinary cased exhibition grade pair of Liegoise percussion pistols
mid-19th century
mid-19th century
Each with blued 10 1/4 inch .34 caliber fluted barrel, the alternate flutes with pale gilt finish, the faceted muzzle and breech sections etched and engraved with foliage. Side flats of barrels with Liege proofs, the undersides numbered 573 and marked with L Liege proof, the Liege perron mark and with the initials EB and LB, possibly for Eugene and Lambert Bernard. Breeches and tangs etched and engraved with scrolls and foliage in-the-white on a dark pebbled ground and numbered I and II respectively. Tangs with adjustable rear sights. Set triggers. Detented locks and spur triggerguards decorated en suite to breeches. Domed buttcaps with darkened finish and chiseled in high relief with stems and leafage around turned, tapering finials. Ebony half-stocks finely relief-carved with C-scrolls, shells and foliage, barrel channel of No. 2 with stockmaker's mark JNI. Complete with original brass-banded mahogany case, the lid inlaid with engraved brass scrollwork in the Boulle style and centering a vacant escutcheon. Fitted blue velour-lined interior. Retaining the complete group of highly decorated accessories including: steel bullet mold, wad cutter, loading rod and powder measure, all with engraved and chiseled panels of leafy vines; spring vise, nipple pick and rear sight key, all decorated en suite, the bows pierced and chiseled with viticulture; screwdriver, nipple wrench and ladle, all with fluted ebony grips, the ladle with baluster-form neck engraved and chiseled en suite to the set; ebony charger flask, oiler, patch box and cap box, all finely carved with leafage; ebony mallet with fluted handle, the head relief-carved with viticulture and blossoms, the faces set with silver panels cast and chased with leaves and tendrils.
Condition: Excellent. Barrel finish partially faded to brown. Some steel parts showing light staining. Stock of No. 2 excellent with few minor marks. Stock of No. 1 showing repaired hairline crack through top of wrist. Case lid showing some light marks and minor wear to finish. Lining with minor wear. Accessories excellent, the mallet with hairline crack to underside and traces of glue at handle.
See Illustration
Condition: Excellent. Barrel finish partially faded to brown. Some steel parts showing light staining. Stock of No. 2 excellent with few minor marks. Stock of No. 1 showing repaired hairline crack through top of wrist. Case lid showing some light marks and minor wear to finish. Lining with minor wear. Accessories excellent, the mallet with hairline crack to underside and traces of glue at handle.
See Illustration