Made around 1810 by the noted London gunsmith Richard Jackson, the pistols had browned octagonal twist barrels with fire blued dovetailed foresights and figured walnut half stocks chequered at the grips. With adjustable set triggers and charcoal blued spur trigger guards engraved with foliage, globe and book and pineapple finials, the pistols breathed quality.
This was underlined by the quality of the original mahogany case decorated with two platinum lines and engraved flowers and foliage. The locks on the case were signed R. Jackson Wigmore Street.
The set was in good original condition and, unusually, included the original rosewood ramrods along with a two-way powder flask covered in red leather and an 18-bore wad punch. There was some slight scattered rust and speckling but this was hardly a deterrent, most of the set being in very good condition with most of their original finish.
The pair triggered enthusiastic bidding with a specialist buyer beating off his last rival with a bid of £8000.
£8000 offer settles duel by Birmingham bidders
THE 1140 lots of arms and armour held offered by Birmingham specialists Weller & Dufty (15% buyer’s premium) on June 13 encompassed most forms of dealing out death and sparked enthusiasm from a range of collectors and dealers. But the pick of the day was this fine cased pair of 18-bore flintlock duelling/officers’ pistols.
