Duelling pistol
Category
Arms and armour
Date
circa 1840
Materials
Metal and wood
Measurements
40 cm (length)
Order this imageCollection
Westwood Manor, Wiltshire
NT 222594
Summary
Cased pair of percussion target or duelling pistols, c1840, by William Drury, Castle Street, Liverpool (active1821-1851).
Full description
Cased pair of percussion target or duelling pistols, c1840, by William Drury, Castle Street, Liverpool (active1821-1851). The engraved crest and motto would appear to belong to the Graham family. The octagonal iron barrel of Damascus twist construction, with engraved false breech and barrel tang. The breech with platinum safety vent. Barrel top signed W.DRURY, LIVERPOOL. White metal bead foresight and raise rear sight. Retained to the stock by 1 barrel slide with white metal escutcheons. Length 23.2cm. Calibre 11mm (smoothbore). Walnut half stock with chequered grip. Engraved steel furniture comprising; butt cap with flattened base and trigger guard with decorative finial. Horn fore-end cap. White metal escutcheon engraved with crest (an eagle killing a stork) and motto, “ne oublie” (Do not forget). Back-action percussion lock, engraved and signed W.DRURY. Sliding bolt safety catch behind hammer. Retained to the stock by 1 sidenail and 1 lock screw. Overall length: 40cm Mahogany pistol case with fitted compartments for 2 pistols and accessories, lined with red velvet. 2 compartments with lids, having bone lifters. Brass folding handle, key escutcheon, hinges and catches. Case handle escutcheon engraved with a crest and the motto “ne oublie”. Size: 49.4cm x 23.9cm x 6.7cm. Case contents comprise; 1 bag-shaped copper and brass powder flask marked James Dixon & Sons, Sheffield, with adjustable nozzle; 1 loading/cleaning rod with screw end for various attachments – some present, 1 worm, 1 jag, 1 plain end, 1 cup end; 1 percussion cap tin with caps, the lid label damaged; 1 bullet mould marked No. 52 (52 bore); 1 mainspring clamp; 1 oil bottle; 1 nipple wrench with steel shaft, brass furrel and rosewood handle (pricker missing); a quantity of lead bullets.
Provenance
E.G. Lister collection
Marks and inscriptions
Barrels - top breech: W. Drury, Liverpool Lockplate: W. Drury Wooden case escutcheon: Ne Oublie
References
Bailey & Nye, 1978: DeWitt Bailey & Douglas Nye, English Gunmakers: Birmingham & Provincial Gun Trade