October 30, 2019 The Collection of Steve & Marcy Hench
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2019
These sergeant's grade pistols date to the French and Indian War period. Both have brass smoothbore barrels marked "SOUTHWARK" on tops, surrounded by borders and foliate designs. Both have English view on proofmarks on left side of breeches and a fleur de lis over "TH", probably for Thomas Hartwell. Rounded lockplates marked "MEMORY" in centers and engraved at tails with shell and scroll designs. Brass mounts including pommel caps with full stirrups and a flower engraved on bottoms, flat pierced sideplates with foliate engraving, early turned ramrod ferrules, symmetrical wrist escutcheons engraved en suite, and triggerguards engraved with shells on bows. Walnut stocks with relief panels around locks, sideplates, and barrel tangs. Wooden ramrods, one probably original, the other a period replacement. CONDITION: Barrels retain a pleasing mustard patina, makers mark worn on one pistol. Locks retain a grey patina, one cock replaced, some light freckling and wear. Brass furniture retains an unpolished mustard patina and show some wear and scattered marks. Stocks both have period replaced forends and some scattered period repairs, age cracks, and wear. A very attractive pair of officer's pistols of the type that would have been used in America during the French and Indian War. PROVENANCE: Found in a private estate in Indiana by David Good.
Caliber/Bore
.65 Smoothbore, Both