April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/25/2019
For an example of another pistol with a nearly identical mechanism by Forsyth, see page 158 to 159, figure 174 of "Early Firearms of Great Britain and Ireland" published by The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Preserved in their original case with trade label in pristine, untouched condition. This splendid pair of heavy barreled duelers exhibit the very best of early 19th century British gunmaking throughout. Although not as renowned as Alexander Forsyth, the inventor of the system, it seems logical that Davison and Forsyth were well acquainted or working together as the trade label on this set says "Patent Breaching on the most improved principals". The 10" octagonal sighted barrels have a gold front sight and gold band at breech, with gold line sunken makers name "D. DAVISON ALNWICK". The breeches are heavily engraved with florals and trophies of arms. Elaborate locks are bolted with push-on safeties, border engraving. Hammer of Forsyth type, engraved with florals and outline border. Fitted with screwed slide bar for the priming magazines, each finely engraved with scrolls and cork plug. Locks features D-slide Forsyth patent sliding primers. Trigger guards engraved with trophies or arms and borders featuring classic British pineapple finials. Steel buttcap elaborately engraved with sunburst and borders. Highly figured walnut halfstocks with finely checkered butts. Thumbpieces of solid gold with a well rendered hawk or falcon coat of arms. CONDITION: Barrels are excellent, retaining nearly all of its period Damascus finish. Lock retains much darkened case hardening, as does hammer. The Forsyth mechanism retains much original bright bluing. Walnut halfstocks in excellent condition with only minor marks. Trigger guard and ramrod pipe retain considerable original blue finish. Pistols retains their original rammers. Bores are bright and clean. Pistols are cased in their original mahogany case with split ring in lid. Owner's initials appear to be "FS". Case retains its original silk lining with colorful George Davison trade label. Very fine leather covered two-way flask, original brass tipped ramrod, original key with ivory tab and marked "DAVISON ALMWICK", original mold in excellent condition, and two patch cutters. Lining of case damaged. An almost identical pair by Forsyth in considerably lesser condition was sold by Christie's on December 12th, 2006 for £19,200. The Davison set is in considerably better condition and with much better accessories. As fine a pair of Forsyth system pistols as one could hope for. Pistols should not only appeal to the collector of best quality British pistols but also to system collectors as this particular system is rarely encountered.
Caliber/Bore
.52 Smoothbore
Manufacturer
George Davison