A Cased 52 Bore Percussion Double Barrelled Box Lock Travelling Pistol, Signed Purdey, London.
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9 ¼” overall, 4” round sighted barrels with Birmingham proofs, each engraved with a broad band of foliage around the muzzle, nipples stamped 'L' and 'R' respectively, foliate scroll engraved action signed on the tang plate, dolphin hammers decorated en suite, blued safety catches, border engraved trigger guard and ovoidal butt cap decorated with scrolling foliage, the former with hinged circular butt trap cover opening to reveal a pair of spare nipples. Finely chequered figured rounded butt encircled by a foliate engraved silver band around the pommel. Vacant silver escutcheon, and stirrup ramrod. In its original brass mounted mahogany case fitted and lined in green velvet with accessories including brass mounted three way powder flask and steel nipple wrench. The interior of the lid with trade label of Manton And Co., Gun Makers, No. 10 Lall Bazaar, Calcutta, the exterior with shaped vacant brass escutcheon.
Circa 1830
In quite good condition, minor pitting, powder flask spring broken.
With a handwritten note signed by W. Keith Neal reading:
'This pistol will have been bought in the ''White'' already proved from Birmingham, finished, engraved by Purdey. Note the very fine quality checkering & the nipples marked L. & R. Entirely typical of Purdey. It probably formed part of an export to India. Has the Manton of Calcutta trade card. I have seen others - always box-locks - and without date supplied & finished by Purdey - but not numbered - merely signed Purdey, not his full name & address. The quality however is very good. The Purdey muskets made for Chillingham were basically Birmingham made but finely finished by Purdey.'
Provenance: W. Keith Neal Collection, C110 Christie's London, Fine Antique Firearms from the W. Keith Neal Collection, 8 November 1995, lot 192