November 3-4, 2017 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/4/2017
This is a very early pair of English dueling pistols by William Henshaw, who worked between 1762 and 1805 at 181 Strand Street in London. They are very high quality pistols in extraordinary condition. Prior to the fourth quarter of the 18th century, swords were used as the primary dueling weapon. Both with octagonal smoothbore steel barrels, engraved breeches with London view and proof marks on left side, top flats marked "W. HENSHAW STRAND LONDON" in an engraved banner. Both barrels feature half moon front sights and are retained with two steel barrel keys, both feature hooked breeches. Finely made flintlocks with flat plates with beveled edges and very detailed engraved borders, centers engraved "W/HENSHAW". Fine sterling silver furniture includes triggerguards with stylized clamshell finials and engraved borders, en suite lock, both hallmarked for 1779 and "IK" for silversmith John King. Silver ramrod ferrules. Partially figured walnut stocks with faceted cane grips and fine relief carved symmetrical shells behind both barrel tangs. Original wooden ramrods with steel worms and horn caps. Both pistols are in excellent condition, showing little use and obviously very well cared for. Barrels retain much of original Damascus finish and have excellent markings and shiny bores, a few light storage marks. Locks are crisp both mechanically and visually, showing nearly no wear or use, sharp markings and engraving, bright surfaces have been well-maintained and are in extraordinary condition. Silver furniture polished and showing little wear. Stocks very good with some scattered marks and minor age cracks. A very fine pair of very early dueling pistols in exceptionally nice condition.
Caliber/Bore
.50 Smoothbore
Model
Flintlock Dueling Pistols