September 26, 2018 O'Connor's Americana Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/26/2018
These pistols were previously sold in the January 18, 2003 Sotheby's sale as part of the Appell Family Collection. The provenance states that these pistols were purchased March 14, 1951 for $125 from Joe Kindig, Jr. in York, Pennsylvania. The pistols both have round swamped brass barrels, left sides with London view and proof marks, as well as "RW" for maker Richard Wilson. Top flats, near breeches with borders and foliate patterns around "LONDON". Rounded lockplate inscribed "Wilson" on both pistols. Hallmarked sterling silver mounts marked "IK" for Joseph King and hallmarked with date letter for 1771. Engraved and chased mounts featuring grotesque mask buttcaps and pierced sideplates with castle towers, arms, and flags. Silver wrist escutcheons are inscribed with heraldic crests. Both pistols have partially figured walnut stocks of Georgian form with relief carved shells around the barrel tangs. Complete with original wooden ramrods missing their end caps. Good condition, barrels retain an unpolished mustard patina with excellent markings. Locks retain a dark brown patina and are in original flintlock configuration. One pistol has a broken tumbler and missing cock, the other has a crack in its already repaired cock. Sterling silver mounts show some high edge wear and retain a mix of dark areas and polished surfaces. Both stocks show some wear to carving, silver polish in grain, and a few marks. One pistol has a cracked wrist and a crack beneath the lockplate. A very nice pair of Revolutionary War period officer's pistols.
Caliber/Bore
Both .62 Smoothbore