April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/25/2019
John Prosser is famous for making dueling pistols with thin, flattened butts and coarse checkering with raised relief diamonds. These pistols are classic Prosser pistols. 8-1/4" barrels are round with flattened sighting ribs and silver foresights. Signed "CHARING CROSS LONDON". Engraved breeches and barrel tangs. Locks stepped and bolted of front action type with Prosser signature. Hammers with floral engraving. Blued engraved trigger guards with pineapple finials. Figured walnut fullstocks with classic Prosser checkering as noted. Steel buttcaps are engraved, as are buttcap retaining screws. Both pistols have stirrup rammers. CONDITION: Barrels heavily stained with mostly surface rust. Locks are stained but do not have any significant pitting. Both hammer spurs are crudely replaced. Walnut fullstocks retain some original varnish with minor marks. One pistol with a split on both sides of the forend, issuing from the barrel key. Captive rammers are original. Action functions properly. Bores are fair. A good and impressive pair of best quality English officer's pistols which will improve significantly with careful attention.