Lot 256
A cased pair of 19th century percussion pocket pistols
Auction: Fine Antiques
Description
the engraved flat sided locks with safety slides and signed WESTLEY RICHARDS and WESTLEY RICHARDS LONDON on the top flat of the Damascus twist sighted round barrels, foliate engraved hammers, false breeches with silver line inlays, barrel tangs and fire blued trigger guards, plain silver escutcheons and silver barrel bolt escutcheons, full walnut stocks with chequered butts, captive swivel ramrods, contained in original mahogany case lined with green baize with small powder flask and associated turn screw, with plain brass shaped escutcheon on case lid, the Westley Richards trade card states 'Gun Manufacturer to His Royal Highness Prince Albert, 170 New Bond Street'
Dimensions
7 inches long
Footnote
Note: The family of Westley Richards were Birmingham Gunmakers of the highest reknown during the latter part of the 18th century and throughout the 19th century. William started at 82 High Street, Birmingham in 1812; in 1815 he opened a London shop at 170 New Bond Street.
Provenance: The late Richard Chapman. Richard Chapman was a highly skilled and meticulous engineer working on vintage motorcars. He became a friend of William Keith Neal who amassed the finest collection of antique firearms in the world. It is very possible that this case of pistols is from the Keith Neal collection.