GUN FALL 2016
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, October 4, 2016.
PAIR OF BOXLOCK PERCUSSION BELT PISTOLS WITH CAPTIVE RAMRODS BY STEVENS OF LONDON IN JAPANNED TIN CARRYING BOX, ALONG WITH MONEY AND VALUABLES BOX OWNED AND MARKED BY LT. ARTHUR WILLIAM HOOD (1824 - 1901), ROYAL NAVY, WHO BECAME THE FIRST SEA LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (1885), ADMIRAL (1886), KCB (1885), AND GCB (1889), RAISED TO THE PEERAGE AS BARON HOOD OF AVALON (1892).STEVENS-LONDONPAIR PERC PISTOLSNSN45Cal. 45 Bore. (.470 Smooth bore) 3-1/2" Octagonal case hardened steel bbls engraved "Stevens London" on top flat (most likely Thomas Stevens at 43 High Holborn 1823-42), have under ribs holding bridled steel ramrods. Integral boxlock actions with percussion hammers, folding triggers, and back sliding safeties, are fitted with blued steel belt hooks, and engraved with foliate scroll. European walnut flared grips with closely spaced square checkering, have silver ovals at tops engraved "AH". Pistols are housed in black Japanned tin box (7" x 10" x 2") with gold paint, band decoration on top with "A. H. RN" (Arthur Hood, Royal Navy) painted in gold. Interior is lined in brown velvet and contains copper bodied powder flask, tin container of lead balls, Ely cap tin, home made nipple key, cleaning rod, and a nutcracker type ball mold marked "42". A matching money and document box (5" x 8" x 3-1/2") with brass handle and Hobbs & Company key lock, has removable triple compartment box revealing storage well beneath containing old information labels and price tags. Key is included. PROVENANCE: Appraisal. Wikipedia information on Arthur William Hood, Baron Hood of Avalon. CONDITION: Fine. Pistols retain a considerable amount, maybe as much as 60% orig case hardening color, with evidence of cleaning. Belt hooks retain most of their bright blue. Stocks retain most of their French polish finish. Mechanically good. Accessories are good. Tin boxes are fine with some chipping. A piece is missing from cover of one lift out tray. 50382-4 MGM306 (3,000-5,000)