October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/22/2019
William Mills was the equal of Purdey, or virtually any early 19th century English gunmaker. These pistols exemplify his quality of manufacture throughout. The 9 - 1/4" fully rifled and sighted barrels have border engraving at the muzzle, engraving at the breech, signed in full "W. Mills Improved Maker 120 High Holborn, London". Signed and bolted locks with push on safeties, finely engraved with scrolls and border decoration. Hammers engraved en suite in dolphin form with finely checkered thumb spurs. Signed Mills Improved. Squared trigger guards with scroll and border engraving en suite with locks. Set triggers. Figured walnut half stocks. Finely checkered bag grip. Nickel silver forend caps numbered 1 and 2. Steel tipped ramrods with worm and jag are original to both pistols. CONDITION: Barrels some what worn but Damascus finish still clearly visible. Breeches, locks, and trigger guards are refinished in bright blue in the English manner. Locks are refinished in bright peacock blue in the English manner. Stocks with an added coat of varnish and a very minor split to left on one pistol. Actions are crisp as new. Pistols are cased in their original mahogany case with an Earl's armorial featuring a woman holding up a star and half moon above a lion rampant. The same crest appears on the silver thumb piece on both pistols. Split ring in lid. Original William Mills trade label in embossed paper (extremely rare). Green baize lining appears to be original with some wear throughout. Three way flask retaining traces of gilding on spout body retaining some original lacquer. Bullet mold possibly the original. Bores very good. A handsome pair of early British percussion dueling pistols by a premier maker with easily researchable armorial on case lid and pistols, helping confirm that the case and pistols belong together. PROVENANCE: Christies London, May 1985, Lot 70. MZ
Barrel Length
(BOTH) 9 - 1/4"
Caliber/Bore
(BOTH) .53 Rifled
Manufacturer
(BOTH) William Mills