February 17-19, 2020 Field & Range Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/17/2020
The 9 - 1/4" octagonal barrels signed P. Vallee Philadelphia. Breeches finely engraved with inlaid silver band above a gold band. Back action locks finely engraved and signed P. Vallee. Spur trigger guards with acorn finials finely engraved. Highly figured walnut fullstocks of saw handle form with finely checkered bag grip. Locks with dolphin form hammers engraved en suite with the locks. Silver thumb pieces inscribed "H.P.MK". CONDITION: Exemplary. Barrels retaining much original Damascus brown finish though light. Locks with no appreciable wear or corrosion. Trigger guards retain nearly all of the original peacock blue with only minor losses. Figured stocks are excellent retaining much original varnish. One gun with tight crack on left extended from lock screw to trigger guard. Both guns retain original ramrods. Actions are crisp. Set trigger requires some adjustment. Considerable original case hardening to trigger guard plate. Bores are like new. In an original mahogany case with square brass escutcheon inscribed H. Pratt McKean, Phila. Green felt lining of case in excellent condition. No accessories. McKean was well known as a prominent gentleman in socialite New York, Washington, and London and was related to Thomas McKean, signer of the Declaration of Independence and George Mifflin Wharton, a Philadelphia attorney. Please note pistols have British proofs under barrels and like most American duellers of the period by Robertson Constable et al, the pistols are made in England and retailed by the Philadelphia makers. MZ
Barrel Length
(BOTH) 9 - 1/4"
Caliber/Bore
(BOTH) .58 Smoothbore
Manufacturer
(BOTH) P. Vallee