19th Century Pair of Nickel Plated Target Pistol Cased with Accessories
In their fitted velvet lined hard wood case.
I will refer to the pistols as Pistol 1 and Pistol 2 separately.
Pistol 1
All metal parts are nickel plated, heavily engraved, and have varying degrees of staining and rust.
The woodwork is varnished, showing some signs of water damage, and the grip has the continental fluting style. Apart from the water affected varnish, the woodwork seems to be in good order.
The action pulls crisply to half position and the mainspring feels a little "spongy" after which it gets much stronger and won't reach full position.
The fluted barrel is rifled and very heavy.
Pistol 2
The metalwork of this pistol is in slightly better condition that pistol 1, but the woodwork is slightly worse with a split under the nipple.
The barrel slide is missing, as are the screws to the trigger guard and lock.
The hammer is missing, but the lock and trigger do move.
Accessories
Included in this set is a bullet mold, ramrod, loading mallet, powder flask and nipple wrench. Also part of the set is a wooden percussion cap container and several musket balls.
The key does operate the lock, but the whole set has been subject to water damage in the past, so the case lid is slightly warped. It will lock however, with a bit of pressure on the lid.
Accessories Condition
The heavy steel ramrod is stained and has some rusted areas.
The small copper and brass powder flask has age discolouration and the seams have been soldered, although 1 seam seems to be opening up slightly. The spring is intact, but rusty and the opening lever is seized shut.
The small wooden cap container is plain but free of any kind of damage.
The bullet mold (as with all the metal parts of this set) has staining and some corrosion, but opens and closes freely. It is decorated with stamped Crown and Laurel sprig.
The mallet is free of water damage and although firm, there is a tiny amount of movement at the joint of head and arm.
The oak handled nipple wrench is free of water damage, except for some corrosion on the steel parts. It does fit and work (removed and refitted the nipple of Pistol 2).
The case has an inlaid border detail and large central brass escutheon engraved John Vincent Davies.
Red velvet cushioned lid is stained and fitted velvet compartments for all the components (there is a section for a screwdriver, but this is not present). The brass hinges are fine as is the lock (please note my previous comment about this)
The veneer to the bottom of the case is almost completely gone (most likely from standing in water)
Summary
Although there is no makers mark or name visible, this was obviously a set of good quality, and although damaged due to neglect it is still a beautiful set that with some TLC or restoration, could be stunning.
Barrel length 26cm, overall length 40cm.
Case 48cmx28cmx7cm.
This antique pistol is considered obsolete and non functioning, and is sold as a collectable item. This product is available for purchase in the UK without a license.
