September 10-12, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/11/2024
James Walsh is recorded as an importer in Richmond, Virginia, circa 1861-1864, making him a prime importer in the Confederate capital during the Civil War. This is a pair of duelling pistols that he imported from England, and made in identical configuration as a pair. Octagonal skelp twist Damascus barrels with "Imported by J. Walsh Richmond Va" on top flat. Diminutive German silver blade sight and equally small notch rear sight dovetailed into barrel. Evidence of vise marks and the fit and finish of the sights indicate that they are later additions and did not originally have them; perhaps a pair of pistols with sights added for use in the Civil War? Half length ribs with ferrule for ramrods, half length walnut stocks with reinforced mouths for ramrods and horn tips. Percussion locks signed "J. Walsh" with three sprigs of open scroll, with beaded edges and fishform cocks. Set triggers, single lock retaining screw, rectangular silver plaques at wrist, and bag grips with flat top checkering. Housed in a wooden case with dovetailed joints and fit for accessories including a 30-bore combination bullet mold and sprue cutter, powder flask, two tins of percussion caps, Remington and unmarked, Remington tin empty, keys, nipple cleaner, and some cast balls. Accompanied by a previous auction description. CONDITION: Very good. Barrels with the majority of their brown finish, mixing with soft patina, silvering to sharp edges, and scattered thinning, some to silver. Pistol (A) with visible repair to cock, with later matte bluing applied to cock and breech. Traces of case colors on locks, mostly to recessed areas. Stocks are very good with some scattered handling marks and impressions, heavier on the sidepanels. Checkering with some abraded heads, forearm tips with some insect damage. Mechanically fine, bores with some mild oxidation. Case relined, accessories good with appropriate age related handling marks and wear, excepting missing spring on powder flask. Case is good with handling marks and some scattered impressions; missing hook is in the case and could be reattached. An interesting pair of Southern retailed English pistols from the capital of the Confederacy.
Barrel Length
(BOTH) 8 - 1/2"
Caliber/Bore
(BOTH) .50 Smoothbore
Manufacturer
(BOTH) English