September 26, 2018 O'Connor's Americana Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/26/2018
These silver mounted pistols bear the crest of Captain Robert Orme on both of their wrist escutcheons. Captain Robert Orme (1732-1790) served in America during the French and Indian War and distinguished himself at Fort Duquesne in 1755. Orme was General Braddock's aid-de-camp and was wounded in the action where Braddock was killed in 1755 at the Battle of the Monongahela. After the Battle of Fort Duquesne, Captain Orme then resigned his commission and returned to England in 1756. Orme and George Washington also became close friends while serving together under Braddock and there are several examples of their correspondence confirming this friendship.
The pistols feature Round steel barrels with swamped muzzles and small front sights, both barrels with chiseled relief panels on top marked "BARBAR". The left sides of the breeches are marked with London view and proof marks, as well as "IB" for James Barbar. Round lockplate faces marked "BARBAR" in centers, professionally converted to percussion during their period of use. The hammers are scroll-engraved and the bolster faces feature floral engraving. Both feature sterling silver furniture, the rear triggerguard tang of one pistol hallmarked with date letter for 1755 and with silversmith mark of James Brooker. The wrist escutcheons both bear the crest of Robert Orme. On the back of both wrists, there is an inlaid iron escutcheon surrounding the cavity for a shoulder stock. The pistols are complete with one detachable figured walnut skeleton buttstock with iron mount and release handle. The pistols are of classic Georgian form and are stocked in partially figured walnut. There are relief-carved shells around the barrel tangs and relief panels around the lockplates and counterplates. The pistols retain period ramrods, one original and still retaining iron worm, the other a period replacement. The pistols are housed in a period English case of figured mahogany. Included is an archive of research conducted by Walter O'Connor, as well as information on Ormes and the original Sotheby & Co. catalog and prices realized from the April 16, 1974 auction of "Modern and Antique Firearms and Edged Weapons". These pistols were sold as lot 195, from the property of A.D. Chater-House, Esq. The pistols are described as belonging to Captain Robert Orme, the great Uncle of M.D. Chater-House.
The pistols are overall in very good condition. The barrels retain an even brown patina and the locks retain an even grey patina. One hammer spur has been broken off and is absent. Silver furniture is polished, darker patina in protected areas. Stocks are very good with some minor hairline cracks due to age and some scattered marks from use. Stock is very good, iron mounts retain a dark patina. The case partitions have been removed and the liner on the lid and sides shows soiling and moth damage. Exterior has scratches and scattered marks and some minor chipping at corners. This is a very important pair of historic pistols, belonging to an important and celebrated French and Indian War captain.
Accessories
Shoulder Stock/Case
Barrel Length
Both 9 - 1/2"
Caliber/Bore
Both .67 Smoothbore