Description

A very fine pair of single shot 100 bore, percussion pistols, signed “Merry”.
Each pistol measures 6-1/2″ o/a, with 2-3/8″ turn off barrels, both of which can be freely unscrewed.
The frames and barrels are to a finely Nickel Silvered finish, each profusely engraved, also to the muzzles, lower tang, and butt cap, which have hinged lids to a cap compartment.
Both have clear proofs to the lower frame and barrel.
Each have Dolphin shaped percussion hammers, both engraved, and to a plumb/blue patina.
Action of each pistol is sound to both half cock [ there is a sliding safety catch], and to full cock, when the concealed trigger is deployed.
Both have quality, rounded, curved, walnut grips, finely chequerd, with silvered butt caps, and a vacant silver escutcheon to the rear aspect.
There are very minor differences to the engraving, indicating that each pistol was possibly manufactured on a different day, but to the same design and dimensions.
William Merry worked in London. in High Street, White Chapel C1827, and then Castle Street C1827 -1837.
Contained in a period, square, mahogany case, with compartments, lined with a green beige material.
It has a hinged lid, with a retailers label to the interior, and the lid is retained by 2 brass catches. There is a vacant brass plaque inlaid to the lid exterior. There is also a lock, with a brass escutcheon to the key hole [ key missing].
The wood is in vg condition, with only a fine hairline crack to the lid, and only minor dings of age, and to a fine patina of age.
Measures …11″ X 9-1/4″ X 2″.
There is a full compliment of accessories …. A find powder flask by “Hawkesly”, plus a brass powder scoop, with a wooden rounded handle …also by Hawkesly. A 100 bore mold, an ebonised handled clearing rod, with worm and brass screw – off end, a tin of Percussion Caps, by Joyce & Co, a small bone nipple container, a small turn screw, and 100 bore lead ball.
An altogether quality, and fine outfit.