September 10-12, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/11/2024
This set includes a blunderbuss with brass three stage barrel with turned cannon muzzle. Left flat stamped with private London view and proof marks as well as "R / I & W" for makers Joseph and William Richards. The brothers were partnered between 1808 and 1815 in London. Their family has 6 generations in the trade of gun making, with Westley Richards (1814 - 1897) being the last. The lock is inscribed "J & W / Richards" in the center and features a sliding tang safety. The brass furniture includes a triggerguard terminating in an acorn finial, an engraved full sideplate and a vacant oval wrist escutcheon. Plain walnut stock with original horn-tipped wooden ramrod. CONDITION: Brass mostly bright with some green corrosion around touchhole. Lock is very crisp, in its original flintlock configuration and functions well. Stock has a repaired break to bottom of buttstock and one at the muzzle. The pair of pistols have round brass barrels with flared muzzles, a sprig of engraving in front of the breeches and private London view and proof marks on left sides of breeches. Both locks are marked "J & W/ Richards" in the centers. Locks feature roller frizzens. The brass furniture closely resembles that found on the blunderbuss and includes full stirrup pommel caps, vacant oval wrist escutcheons and triggerguard finials with acorns. Partially figured walnut stocks of late Georgian form. Complete with their original horn-tipped wooden ramrods. CONDITION: Brass barrels are polished. Locks are original flint with crisp and well-functioning mechanisms. Markings excellent. Stocks show scattered minor marks from use. This is a beautiful set by a scarce and desirable maker. It would be difficult to find a complete grouping from this period in this condition.
Barrel Length
(A) 14 - 1/2" (BC) 9"
Caliber/Bore
(A) 1 - 3/16" (BC) 1"
Manufacturer
(ALL) J & W Richards
Model
(A) Blunderbuss (BC) Blunderbuss Pistols