November 18, 2020 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/18/2020
James Bowls is recorded in Stockel as working in Cork between circa 1804-1830. Both pistols are in identical configuration with 11" octagonal barrels, half stocks with under rib for brass tipped ramrods retained by a single reinforced ferrule. Barrels have slightly swamped muzzles, and indistinctly marked "CORK" on top flat, with offset British proofs and silver strip at breech. Hooked screw breeches with truing strikes. Horn tipped half stocks. Tang with stand of arms and florals. Locks marked "BOWLS" in center, with florals on fore, rays at rear of pan, and bird (quail?) at rear, with floral engraving throughout. Barrel esctucheon with florals. Spurred trigger guards with urn finials engraved en suite. Slabside grips with checkering and vacant area at base. Initials engraved on a silver plaque on left side, look to be script "IB". Pistol (A) is signed in barrel channel "Dr F W Johnson" and "Gresham Wisconsin 1962"; "Dr FWJ" under lock. "FWJ 63" and "FWJ 62" on undersides of barrels, most likely inventory control numbers for Dr. Johnson. French fitted in a relined case with Henry Allport label in lid with accessories comprising loading mallet, cleaning rod, powder flask, oil bottle, and nipple wrench with fire blued pricker in butt. CONDITION: Good as preserved. Barrels have an extra application of browning that has obfuscated some of the "CORK" legend and proofs, and there are a number of spots of old inactive oxidation throughout. Wood is very good with several bumps and bruises and some grain separation in the barrel channels that are live and need attention but is otherwise full sized and attractive. Accessories are good with some age related staining and bruises. Actions work appropriately when operated by hand, barrels are very good with a minimum of oxidation throughout. EW
Item Dimensions: Case: 10 - 1/2" x 18" x 3 - 1/4".
Caliber/Bore
(BOTH) .60 Smoothbore