GUN FALL 2016
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, October 4, 2016.
PAIR OF J. BLANCH DUELING OR OFFICERS PISTOLS CONVERTED TO PERCUSSION IN ORIGINAL CASE WITH ACCESSORIES.J. BLANCHDUELLING PISTOLSNSN50Cal. 50. (.510 groove diameter) 9" Octagonal rifled twist bbls with under ribs have patent breeches with inset gold makers poincons, and gold bands at rear, converted to percussion with drum and nipple. Scroll engraved breech irons have V-notch rear sights. Locks with feather engraved beveled edges have rebated squared tails, and are engraved with relief scroll at rear and simple scroll, done at fronts at time of conversion when flat faced serpentine hammers with dolphin heads were installed. Orig back sliding safeties were retained and "Blanch" is engraved on each plate. Nicely figured European walnut half stocks with checkered bag grips, are iron mounted. Trigger plates have stylized pineapple finials and trigger guards have spurs. Greenheart ramrods with brass tulip heads are held by single plain pipes and nicely filed thimbles. Nose caps are of silver. Stocks attach to bbls with captive side nails through oval silver escutcheons. What appears to be orig mahogany case with dual pivoting hook and key closure, has inset circular D-ring handle, and is lined in green baize. A large old Blanch paper label is in lid. Case contains walnut loading rod, ebony handled turnscrew, nutcracker type ball mold marked "35", unmarked brass three compartment powder flask/ ball magazine, circular pewter oil bottle in one covered compartment, and a number of lead balls in another. An open compartment holds a key which does work lock. CONDITION: Fine, as partially refinished. Bbls retain nearly all of what appears to be an old re-brown, most likely done at time of conversion. Locks and hammers are cleaned to pewter gray. There are traces of orig blue on trigger guards and thimbles. Bores are very fine. Locks are crisp. Case retains nearly all of what appears to be an old over-varnish. Interior cloth has fading rubs and compressions. Label has some rubs through, and is lightly foxed. Accessories are good. 50657-4 MGM256 (4,000-6,000)