Saw-Handled Duellers by W & J Rigby…..SOLD

A Pair of Percussion Saw-Handled Duelling Pistols By William & John Rigby, no’s 7818 & 7819 for 1835.

These fine saw-handled duelers have signed etched twist octagonal sighted barrels. The breeches are engraved & case hardened showing subtle fine case hardened colours. They also have three platinum lines expertly laid in around each breech. The breech plugs are pierced platinum with engraved case-hardened breech tangs which incorporate the rear sights which show wonderful attention to detail and practicality with alignment marks visible for easy realignment if required. The finely engraved case-hardened back-action locks are signed on scrolls – “Wm & Jn Rigby” and decorated with characteristic foliage and border engraving. Set triggers, figured blackened ash half stocks with saw-handled chequered butts. Engraved spurred blued trigger guards show some original finish. Engraved case hardened steel butt-caps finish off the butts. The front ramrod pipes are etched en-suite with the barrels. Vacant silver escutcheons on the back of the butts with silver barrel bolt escutcheons and fore end caps with original horn-tipped mahogany ramrods are also stamped with the serial numbers.

The case is the original mahogany fitted case, lined in green baize showing areas of wear and small tears which match the contact points of the pistols to the box. The front rim is stamped with the pistols serial numbers and inscribed on the rear rim of the lid in ink – faded. The trade label is aged and also shows contact points with the contents. The box contains a good selection on accessories including James Dixon oil bottle, pincer type steel bullet mold, screwdrivers, Eley cap tins and cleaning rod, brass powder flask etc. The whole set is like a snap-shot of the past, ready for use, to settle a matter of honour, down to fact that there remains a small pewter snuff tin in the front compartment of the case. The outside of the case is in good order with brass corners, lock and escutcheon and flush fitting carrying handle.

See D.H.L.Back, 1992 p75.  Made for Captian Crofton…”pair of best saw-handled pistols with ash stocks…”

£8850.00

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