May 18, 2021 Early Arms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/18/2021
Captain Marshall was of Scottish birth and the youngest Captain in his regiment in 1812. Marshall joined the Canadian Fencibles in January 1805 at the age of 26 as an ensign and quickly moved up the seniority list becoming a lieutenant in the regiment in 1807. When Marshall was promoted to captain with permanent rank in 1812, he became only the second officer in the Canadian Fencibles to rise within the regiment from ensign to captain. The rear of the silver trigger guard has the Birmingham hallmark for 1804 and is marked with "I F" in a cartouche denoting the silversmith. The paper label inside the lid is marked "Blair & Sutherlands, Gunmakers. Birmingham & London." Probably David Blair and Richard and Ramsey Sutherland. Gunmakers, Birmingham. The silver sideplates on both pistols are engraved "Presented by the / Third Company of Glasgow / Volunteer Sharp Shooters / TO / Mr. William Marshall / their late lieutenant/ 26 march 1805". Its brass lid escutcheon is engraved "William Marshall / Canadian Regt". These fine pistols feature a hooked patent breech with two gold bands and are engraved "LONDON" on the top flat. They have exquisite chased silver mounts with military motifs in high relief. The locks are engraved "BLAIR AND SUTHERLANDS" in front of the French-style cocks and include a safety and roller frizzen with waterproof pans. The pans and touch holes are gold lined. They both have set triggers and engraved roses on lock tangs and cocks. The octagon barrels measure 9 1/4" and the pistols measures 14 1/2". Pistols are mounted in circassian walnut and the grips are checkered. The figured Mahogany case measures 18" x 9". The partitioned interior is lined in green wool with two lidded compartments and has a full compliment of tools including a duel cavity powder flask for balls and powder. CONDITION: Very good with sharp lettering and engraving. One pistol has minor 1/8" x 3 1/2" old repair at muzzle end of barrel. Usual minor dings to the stocks. Pistols are in their original flintlock configuration. PROVENANCE: Purchased from James L. Kochan. DRG
ADDENDUM: Photo updated.
Item Dimensions: 18" x 9" x 4"
Caliber/Bore
(Both) .54 Smoothbore
Manufacturer
(Both) Blair and Sutherland