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Diminutive pair of percussion muff pistols signed “R. Bragg, London” in original to the period case

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:NA Estimated At:2,500.00 - 5,000.00 USD
Diminutive pair of percussion muff pistols signed “R. Bragg, London” in original to the period case
All items are as is, no warranty or claims and All SALES ARE FINAL. Please examine prior to bidding as it is the bidder's responsibilty to establish condition, age, genuineness, value or any other determinative factors.
Diminutive pair of percussion muff pistols signed “R. Bragg, London” in original to the period case showing “J. Blissett” agent’s label in lid. The pair measure less than 3-1/2” overall with 5/8’ to 7/8” barrels, of approx. 5.5mm percussion or nearly .22 caliber. The pair are nicely engraved on their Naval brass frames and show high quality checkering with silver engraved buttcaps and plaques at wrist. The pair are in good condition and show some dulling original finish, slight wear at the edges and minor cleaning. Small losses of wood at the junctures of the frame where the stock meets, with slight wear to the checkering, but at least good overall. The pistols are not quite working and need actions repaired and both pistols are completely British proofed on the breeches and barrels, indicating manufacture as working firearms. The pair are contained within their original to the 19th century partition-style green felt or baise lined case. The interior is in fair to good condition showing some fraying and tatters, particularly in the lid, small losses of material at the edges and the top of the case. The bottom of the case is good to very good with just slight losses at contact points, minor fraying. The case retains its three original compartment covers with carved bone/ivory pulls. One compartment contains a working key. The case contains a proper and diminutive Sykes-marked flask which is only 3-1/8” from tip to end, along with proper mold, nipple wrench, and barrel key. The lid of the case shows an original agent’s label, advertising J. Blissett, gunmaker to his royal highness, the Duke of Sussex, with his address, the British crest, other information such as “Guns and Pistols bought or exchanged” “Best sporting gunpowder”, “Repository for new and second-hand guns and pistols of the most approved London maker”, “A trial allowed”, ”All kinds of repairs”, “Patent and corrosive caps, and every article necessary for sportsmen”, “Directly opposite Gr [illegible] Inn”. This incredibly informative label is approx. 90% intact with small losses at the edges and some tatters and a edges of loss in the centers. Obviously from the label, Blissett agented this pair for Mr. Bragg, who was a smaller London maker. The exterior of the case is good to very good showing its original keyplate, some small scratches, and slight discolorations and normal aging. The case measures only 5-1/4” by 6-1/6”, and 1-1/2” in depth. Near to the smallest actually working percussion pistols that would be practical and useable. These were not made as ornaments or testimonials to workmanship. The pair are not miniatures but real guns. Est: $2,500 - $5,000