2554

CASED PAIR OF C. MOORE SAW-HANDLED PERCUSSION TARGET PISTOLS.

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:3,000.00 USD Estimated At:6,000.00 - 9,000.00 USD
CASED PAIR OF C. MOORE SAW-HANDLED PERCUSSION TARGET PISTOLS.
SN 1566. Cal. .425 Groove diameter (multi-groove rifling). This fine pair of target pistols by this highly regarded maker, which was succeeded by James Woodward & Sons, has 10" browned twist octagon bbls, engraved "77 St. James's Street London" (1825-1842) on top flats. Patent breeches have platinum blow-outs, and platinum poincons on tops, stamped "C Moore London Patent". There are platinum bands at breech ends. Scroll engraved breech irons have small V-notch rear sights dovetailed through. Island front action locks mount broad round bodied hammers and back sliding safeties. Lockplates are shaped in continental style with rebated tails, and are marked "C. Moore's Patent". European walnut saw-handled stocks with oval flared grips, are flat top square checkered, in scallop wraparound pattern with mullered borders. Trigger plates have stylized pineapple finials mounting set triggers, and scroll engraved trigger guards have spurs. SNs are on tips of tangs. Stocks also feature vacant silver ovals on bottoms of grips, horn forend tips, and mount to bbls with captive side nails through oval silver escutcheons. There is exceptionally fine inlaid silver wire scroll with floral highlights at each side of top rear portions of stocks. There are no provisions for ramrods. Pistols are housed in their orig two-part, center hinged, mahogany case with inset circular brass D-ring handle, and sliding lock closure. Case is lined in green cloth, and contains a wonderful array of orig loading and cleaning tools, which are french fitted. There are also mahogany covered compartments for balls, etc. Accessories include large steel patch cutter, rosewood patch box with bone top, rosewood and ebony loading rod with leather faced hammer head, two rosewood handled turnscrews, rosewood handled nipple key, gilt copper flared powder flask, and a 58 bore nutcracker type ball mold stamped "W.D" (William Davis). Also included are a pair of replacement nipples and cleaning accessories for loading rod. PROVENANCE: Henry Sturgis Morgan Collection with cover letter. Henry S. Morgan Jr. Estate Collection. CONDITION: Excellent. Bbls retain 80% of what appears to be their orig brown. Breeches, breech irons, locks and hammers retain a considerable amount of their orig case hardening color. Trigger plates, and trigger guards retain most of their orig bright blue, except bow of one gun is considerable flaked, or possibly cleaned, to silver. Stocks retain nearly all of their orig oil finish with numerous light marks from general use, assembly, and disassembly. Bores are excellent. Locks are a bit sluggish, probably from congealed oil. Case is very fine retaining nearly all its orig finish with some minor scratches and marks. Interior cloth is also very fine, faded from exposure to light. Compartment covers are missing their ivory knobs, largest cover cracked. Accessories are generally very fine, except patch box which shows numerous repairs, and a chip missing from bottom. 4-49133 MGM272