May 17, 2022 Early Arms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/17/2022
For another example, see pages 148-149 of "British Military Pistols and Associated Edged Weapons" by Robert Brooker. There was a contractor of 400 of these Philippe d'Auvergne pistols, acquired by Ordnance in 1796 for the Prince de Bouillon. He was a French Royalist in the service of the Royal Navy as a captain. The pattern was unknown until 1986 when the Royal Armories sold off several of them through Sotheby's. The sale was done to provide funds for their purchase of the Belgian Malherbe Collection. The two contractors for this order were Nock and Egg. The pistol is of the standard contract pattern and features a brass barrel stamped on the left side of the breech with two crossed scepter Tower acceptance proofs and "HN" for Henry Nock. The convex lockplate is engraved "TOWER / NOCK" and in the center a British crown over "GR". Standard brass mounts for this pattern. Walnut stock stamped with "1786" darted storekeeper's mark and a crown over 6. Left side, behind sideplate stamped with broad arrows facing one another, showing that this example was sold out of service by the British government. The brass-tipped wooden ramrod is a contemporary replacement. CONDITION: Barrel retains a pleasing mustard patina, markings excellent. Lock retains a bright surface and is in its original flintlock configuration, excellent markings, and functioning properly. Brass furniture retains a pleasing mustard patina, shows a couple scattered storage marks. Stock very good with some scattered minor storage marks. A very nice example of a rare contract. DMG
Caliber/Bore
.60 Smoothbore