May 27, 2020 Founders & Patriots
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/27/2020
Each pistol having a round, pin-fastened, smoothbore barrel of 8 1/4 inches length and 0.61 bore, bearing London proof marks. The pistols have flat, border engraved, beveled locks, each stamped with the maker's name, "ALLPORT." Thomas Allport was a Birmingham gunsmith who operated a shop in that city from 1809-1812. The brass mountings on each consist of a butt-cap, side plate and ramrod pipes, and triggerguard, the latter engraved with a sunburst. The stocks are of walnut. This pair of horse pistols were carried by Robert M. Harrison (1793-1825), who was commissioned as an ensign in the 13th U.S. Infantry Regiment on July 29, 1813, promoted to 3rd lieutenant on September 30th, and 2nd lieutenant on June 30, 1814. Prior to entering the regular army, Harrison had previously served as a private in Captain Lemon Foot's New York volunteer company during 1812-13. Harrison was acting regimental adjutant during 1814, which entitled him to mounted service. He was one of three officers wounded during the land battle at Plattsburgh on September 11, 1814, later recuperating and placed on recruiting duty to the war's end. In he transferred to the 2nd Infantry on the Peace establishment and promoted to 1st lieutenant on November 1, 1817. While serving at Sacketts Harbor, he was married to Isabella Auchmuty on April 23, 1820. He died on February 10, 1825 and is buried in the Old Fort Niagara Cemetery, Niagara Falls, New York. His widow and two infant children survived him by only by a few years. The pistols passed collaterally in the family until 1953, when sold by Victoria Parris of Paris, Maine to Charles Niser of Vermont. The original Parris 1953 letter of provenance and sale, along with an extensive file of documentation, accompany these pistols. "CONDITION: very good condition, lock in good working order. JLK
CORRECTION:The pistols are by William Allport (Birmingham gunmaker, fl. 1807-1823) and the barrels bear his “W.A” touchmark and Birmingham view and proof marks, despite being engraved ‘LONDON” across the barrels--which Allport seems to have done with much of his output
Barrel Length
(Both) 8 - 1/4"
Caliber/Bore
(Both) .54 Smoothbore
Manufacturer
(Both) Allport
Model
(Both) Horse Pistols