October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/23/2019
A really beautiful example of a classic mid-19th century English pepperbox by one of England's most distinguished gun makers, Wilkinson and Son. The fluted barrels are case hardened and numbered from 1 through 6. The German Silver frame is elaborately engraved with scrolls in the best English style. The right side is engraved in a reserve "Improved Revolving Pistol" and on the left "Wilkinson and Son, Pall Mall, London". The bar hammer beautifully engraved in the best English style with scrolls. The trigger guard finely engraved with scrolls and wriggle work. The figured walnut grips are highly finished in a piano varnish. CONDITION: Exemplary, barrels retaining much of original faded case colors (not renewed as is the case on all too many English percussion pepperboxes). Frame with sharp, crisp engraving and few if any minor marks. Trigger guard retains nearly all of its original bright peacock blue with engraving so sharp it will catch on a sweater. Trigger retaining much of its peacock nitre blue. Grips retaining nearly all of its original varnish with a few extremely minor marks. Push on safety retains most of its original blue. Action is smooth and crisp. Bores are good. What makes this lovely pepperbox even more attractive is its original walnut case with split ring in lid, in excellent condition throughout with Wilkinson and Son original trade label. Very fine three way flask, spout retaining considerable original gilding and body with one tiny dent by sights and much of its original Japanned lacquer finish. Original bullet mold retaining nearly all its original finish. Cleaning rod with ebony grip, the original. Original capbox by R.D. Walkers. Compartment retains spare worm, green baize lining, entirely original. An extremely attractive English percussion pepperbox by one of Britain's most famous gunmakers. MZ
Caliber/Bore
.42 Smoothbore