May 17, 2022 Early Arms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/17/2022
The Caldecot family crest is on both the wrist escutcheon of the pistol and the presentation escutcheon on the case lid, as well as "Charles Caldecot / R.N." The twin steel barrels are unmarked and have stiff leaf engraving at the breeches. There is a folding triangular spring bayonet mounted on the right side. Brass scalloped boxlock action engraved on the left side in an oval "PATRICK / LIVERPOOL" surrounded by arms motifs. Right side features engraved foliate motifs as well as the bayonet release, which also holds the bayonet in place when folded. Iron reinforced cock and frizzen. One-piece walnut grip with silver wrist escutcheon featuring a griffin and her young perched in a nest. This is the family crest of the Caldecot family. Accessories include a brass-mounted mahogany case measuring 8" x 11" x 5 - 1/4". A brass escutcheon with folding handle in the center of the lid is engraved with the same crest that appears on the pistol escutcheon. The name inscribed below the crest is "Charles Caldecot, R.N.". Lieutenant Charles Caldecot enlisted in the navy in 1808. He served on several vessels under many captains until leaving the service in 1828. The case is inlaid on all sides with brass strips and has a brass key escutcheon. The casing is a converted patented writing desk on bottom level. The interior is lined with royal blue velvet. A paper file folds into the lid, held in place by a silver catch. The inside has an attached paper label which reads "THOMAS WOOLFIELD, DESK & DRESSING CASE MANUFACTURER No. 71 & 72 CHURCH ST. LIVERPOOL.". The partitioned case is partitioned for the pistol, several lead balls, a bullet mold, and a small powder flask. Other accessories include a small traveling ink well engraved with nautical motifs, a folding wood coin scale, and a two-piece brass snuffbox with a bust of Napoleon and "BONAPARTE PRIMVS CONSVL" on the lid. The box is dated on the bottom "ANNO VIII". This translates to the eighth year in the Napoleonic calendar, which would be 1799. CONDITION: Barrels show some wear and retain a light grey patina. Brass retains a pleasing mustard patina. Engraving shows some minor wear. Lock functions properly and is in its original flintlock configuration. Grip shows some wear and marks from use, as well as a minor crack extending about 3/4" back from the action on the right side. The case shows light wear with a minor hairline crack in the center of the front running through the key escutcheon. Interior and accessories very good. A very nice identified naval pistol. DMG
Item Dimensions: 11" x 8" x 5 - 1/2"
Caliber/Bore
.52 Smoothbore