October 30, 2019 The Collection of Steve & Marcy Hench
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2019
According to "The Belknap Family of Newburgh & Vicinity" by William E. Warren, Isaac Belknap was born in 1761 in Woburn, Massachusetts and was the son of General Isaac Belknap (1733-1815). By 1819, when Isaac married his second wife, he was listed as General Isaac Belknap. Belknap died January 26, 1845 in Newburgh, Massachusetts. He was a soldier of the Revolution, a state legislator, and a civil magistrate. He was also President of The Bank of Newburgh and had established "a reputation for integrity, sound sense, and good feeling", according to a public notice of his death. It also states the he had long been widely known as one of the oldest and most substantial citizens, at an early age he engaged in the service of his country during the Revolutionary struggles, and has filled with credit many honorable and useful posts (was also Judge of the County Court). He was a man of great moral character and great personal worth. Major Isaac Belknap was a staunch whig and was one of those who entered into the agreement not to use goods of British manufacture, according to extracts from the 1859 publication of Ruttenber's "History of the Town of Newburgh". The pistols themselves are of New England manufacture and are beautifully stocked in fine figured maple. The octagonal barrels have dovetailed brass front sights at the muzzles and the breeches are decorated and stamped with two unknown cartouches bearing crosses. The fine locks are Stamped "W. Ketland & Co." in the centers and feature roller frizzens and decorated cocks. The barrels are retained by brass keys and the furniture is also of brass. The triggerguards terminate in acorn finials. Brass pommel caps and sideplates engraved in shaded block letters "I. BELKNAP". Both have brass nosecaps and silver octagonal wrist escutcheons inscribed "JB", probably the initials of a later member of the Belknap family. One sideplate has the name intentionally removed, as it must have been stolen at some time. Both the original defaced sideplate and a professionally made contemporary copy inscribed "I. BELKNAP", accompany the pistols. The stocks are of figured maple and have attractive slender form with cane grips. Original wooden ramrods with brass caps and steel worms. Complete with two volumes of Belknap family history as well as other documentation on the Belknap lineage. CONDITION: Very good, barrels lightly cleaned and retain a grey patina. Locks in original flintlock configuration and retaining a grey patina. Brass lightly polished. Stocks excellent with some minor scattered marks. A very attractive pair of identified New England pistols. PROVENANCE: Ex. Jack (John) Malloy.
Accessories
Extra Sideplate
Caliber/Bore
.44 Smoothbore, Both