August 11, 12, & 13, 2020 Field & Range Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/11/2020
Popular amongst British officers and big game hunters in India, these distinct double barrel pistols were often the last line of defense for someone whose hunt had gone drastically wrong. Both pistols are in identical configuration and were likely manufactured as a pair, although there is no numbering on them. Small bead front sights with no rear sights, bayonet lugs present on both pistols but only pistol (B) retains bayonet and brass tipped ramrod. Waterproof pans, roller bearing frizzens, tailed pan covers, swan neck cocks, and push on safeties on stepped locks. Bayonet releases in front of triggers. Ramrod channels with pineapple finials. Grips with point pattern checkering throughout. Trigger guard with stand of arms, locks with stand of arms at rear and sunburst around retaining screw and distinctly signed Mortimer. Cocks engraved with florals and border engraved filed edges. Right hammer on pistol (A) a replacement. CONDITION: Good as carefully rehabilitated. Barrels have been cleaned over old extensive oxidation. Locks are relatively clean with a few spots of age related staining and old inactive oxidation. Actions work appropriately, right safeties of both pistols are frozen. Bayonet of pistol (B) has detached from barrels. Stocks are very good with an old sanding and layer of varnish. Bores are very good with some even oxidation throughout. Bayonet lug of pistol (A) was repaired at one point with epoxy or equivalent, while same repair on (B) was executed with solder, resulting in rib separation and oxidation to ramrod channel. An unusual pair of Howdah pistols with bayonets intended for if the owner was a poor shot. EW
Caliber/Bore
(BOTH) .62 Smoothbore
Manufacturer
(BOTH) Mortimer