98

A. Neill Irish Boxlock Percussion Pocket Pistols

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:25.00 USD Estimated At:1,400.00 - 2,100.00 USD
A. Neill Irish Boxlock Percussion Pocket Pistols
Engraved pair of Irish boxlock percussion pocket pistols by known maker A. Neill. Most similar pistols to these are of inferior quality, and as such are unmarked. Many, if not most, were made in Belgium and exported throughout Europe and America. Only the highest quality pistols of this genre were maker-marked. This pair is clearly marked “NEILL” on the left side of the frame and “BELFAST” on the right side. A. Nell was a known maker in Belfast, County Antrim, Ireland who was active from 1847-1854. Irish produced pistols had a reputation of being some of the best made in all of Europe. Being of single shot design, pistols like these were often sold in pairs- one for each side coat or pants pocket. It is extremely rare today to find a matched pair still together. Over the last 170 years it would be normal for a pair of handguns to be separated into single arms never to be united again. A matched pair of high quality pistols, such as these, is a true rarity on the collector market today. The boxlock design with center positioned hammer was costlier and more difficult to manufacture than the typical side-hammer pistols of the day. Handguns like these were often carried by sea captains and military officers as hideout weapons or back-ups. Others were imported into the turbulent and often violent United States of the pre/post-Civil War years where they were popular with gamblers, outlaws, soldiers, well dressed gentlemen of means and ladies (some of whom were “ladies of the evening!”) This fine pair shows identical engraving on their iron frames, upper tangs and trigger guard bottoms. They sport gracefully rounded walnut handles, fine actions with half and full cocks fully functioning with strong hammer springs. Interestingly, the 1 5/8” barrels of .48 caliber screw off for both loading and cleaning. All metal surfaces of both pistols show a lovely deep aged patina with no evidence of cleaning, buffing, polishing or abuse. A wonderful opportunity to bid on a high quality, maker-marked matched pair of pistols that have never been apart for approximately 170 years! This firearm qualifies as an Antique, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check.