May 17, 2022 Early Arms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/17/2022
John Blanch is recorded as working in London at various addresses with cumulative dates of 1809-1849; from 1850-1900, the business is John Blanch & Son. These pistols are in identical configuration, and clearly were manufactured as a pair with 8" octagonal Damascus barrels with "LONDON" in script across top flat, silver bands at rear. Bead front sights, notch rear sight on tang. Key-and-pin fastened barrels. Brass trumpet-headed ramrod retained by a single ferrule that feeds into a reinforced mouth. Case colored locks with waterproof bridled pans, roller frizzens, reinforced cocks of smaller size than normally encountered, English push on safeties. Stepped lock is decorated with florals and rays, and engraved with stiff leaves around perimeter. Platinum blowouts. Trigger guard with stand of arms, pineapple finial. Bag grips with point-and-wave checkering. Silver oval at wrist engraved "JM". In a walnut case with simple warded lock and lined in green baize. Plaque set in lid reads 'JRF Burnett / Vauxhall", probably a previous owner. Other accessories include a loading mallet, turnscrew, combination bullet mold and sprue cutter marked "18", patch cutter, two part lead pour with detachable handle, small ivory-handled knife marked "INDIA", mainspring vise, combination brush and pricker, Dixon and Sons powder measure, ivory mop, rod with jag, oil bottle, tin with flints, two wooden heads with female threading and a wooden head with vacant shaft for affixing tools. Interesting combination powder measure, patch holder, and ball holder still has four balls in it. Other lead balls in their own compartment. CONDITION: Overall very good to excellent, with metal appearing to have been period restored, with clear Damascus twist on barrels. Locks are excellent with good case colors and crisp engraving. Trigger guards are excellent with some minor spots of oxidation on the inside of the grip. Bores excellent. Stocks have scattered impressions and handling marks throughout, with a small chip ahead of locks. Mechanically fine. Accessories are very good with evidence of use throughout. Case is good, baize appears original, with numerous bumps and scuffs throughout, one complete crack across top of lid. Blanch is well regarded for his craftsmanship and attention to detail, which this pair shows beautifully. EMW
Item Dimensions: 18 x 11 x 4"
Accessories
Case, accessories
Caliber/Bore
.67 Smoothbore