A Very Fine Unfired Cased Pair of Percussion Howdah Pistols. 16” overall, 8 ½” Damascus 15 bore barrels engraved ˜LONDON’ along the central rib, barrels stamped with Birmingham proofs, both with brass tipped ramrods, case hardened patent breeches engraved with scrolling foliage, scroll engraved tangs, back-action locks signed ‘WALTER ADAMS’ & profusely engraved with scrolling foliage, case colour hardened cocks, half stocked in walnut cut with deep chequering at the grips, with vacant rectangular white metal escutcheons, steel mounts comprising oval butt caps with traps retaining all original colour, blued double trigger, engraved trigger guards decorated with sprays of foliage on the bows & stylised pineapple finials, blued barrel keys with white metal escutcheons. In original campaign mahogany case with brass sliding locks and central lock, brass corners & central brass escutcheon plate, lined in red baize & complete with fine, original accessories comprising a superb powder flask, bullet mould, cleaning rod, cap tin and a bag of bullets.
Circa 1850.
In mint unfired condition.
ADAMS, Walter (1822-1865; & SON 1865-1878). 18 Steelhouse Lane 1822-1828; 49 Whitehall St. 1829-1830; 10 Steelhouse Lane 1830-1831; 11 Upper Priory, 1832-1867; junior, 47 Whitehall Street 1867-1872; 28 1/2 Newton Street 1873-74.
Advertisement of 1862 “Established 1805. Maker to the honourable Board of Ordnance. WALTER ADAMS, Gun & Pistol Maker, 11 Upper Priory, Birmingham, Manufacturer of Every Description of Arms, Percussion Guns and Pistols, Also manufacturer of Long and Short Enfield Rifles, and every description of African Guns, Cape Rifles, & Maker for the China and East India Trade. HOME AND EXPORTATION TRADE”.