A Very Rare Cased Pair of All Steel Percussion Pocket Pistols by Rigby.
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5 ¼” overall, 1 ½” 100 bore round turn-off barrels each stamped respectively with Irish registration number 'WB 135' and 'WB 136' for Waterford Borough, and numbered '1' and '2' respectively on the barrel lug. One piece actions and butts each signed ‘W & J .Rigby’ in gothic script on the left side and decorated with characteristic foliate engraving, the top of the actions with a starburst forward of a notched back sight, foliate engraved hammers acting on three bents, folding triggers, the butts each pierced to form a barrel key. In its original lined and fitted mahogany case with accessories including a brass mounted three way powder flask and turnscrew, the interior of the lid with maker's trade label, the exterior with a slender parquetry border.
Circa 1835
Pistols in very good condition, case showing its age.
W & J. Rigby, 24 Suffolk Street, Dublin,
Provenance: Phillips, Son & Neale, London, Arms And Armour..., 25 February 1988, lot 184
W. Keith Neal Collection
Christie's London, Fine Antique Firearms from the W. Keith Neal Collection, 25 October 2001, lot 157
Literature: D.H.L. Back, Great Irish Gunmaker's, Messrs Rigby 1760-1869, 1992, p. 75, pl. 25