GUN FALL 2015
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/5/2015
CASED PAIR OF DESPONDS A MORGES PERCUSSION TARGET PISTOLS.DESPONDSPERC TARGET PISTOLNSN.395 GROOVE DIAM.395 Groove diameter. Multi groove rifling. 9" Browned octagon bbls are stamped "1" and "2" on tops, and have heat blued blade front sights dovetailed through. Patent breeches are well filed, and engraved in feather and foliate pattern. Breech irons with matching engraving have screw adjustable blade rear sights. Locks with flat plates are fitted with flat faced serpentine hammers. Engraving is well cut with 40% coverage foliate scrolls and "DESPONDS A MORGES" in front of hammers. (Most likely B. Desponds of Morges in Vaud, Western Switzerland, working between 1816 and 1850). Steel furniture with stylized pineapple finials are nicely filed. Finger spurs are affixed to trigger guard bows. Triggers are set. Dense root European walnut stocks have flared butts fitted with cap boxes with shell motif silver covers. Bottoms of covers are marked "I PECKIERS". Ramrods were never present, and thimbles are blocked off and false (being for decoration only). Pistols are housed in what appears to be their orig walnut case with inset squared D-handle and central silver oval. Top compartment is semi french fitted for pistols, and some accessories, including a walnut loading rod, long handled turnscrew, and rectangular copper bodied powder flask with brass top. Bottom compartment is accessed by a drawer on right side, which contains a loading mallet, and other compartment with tin box containing a patch cutter, metal oil bottle, loading funnel, a tin of Eley's percussion caps, and the key. CONDITION: Fine. Bbls retain most of what appears to be their orig brown. Locks and other furniture retain most of their orig finishes. Stocks retain most of their french polish with numerous handling marks and scratches. Bores are fine, lightly pitted. Locks are crisp. Case finish is good. Interior cloth is soiled and compressed, slightly faded. Accessories are good. 49145-1 MGM413 (5,000-8,000)