A Fine Cased Pair of Joseph Lang Percussion Target Pistols. 16 ½” overall, 10” octagonal sighted 50 bore polygroove rifled barrels each rounded beneath the breeches and signed ‘I .Lang Haymarket London’ along the top flat, border engraved case hardened breeches numbered '1' and '2' each with platinum line and pierced platinum plug, foliate scroll engraved tangs numbered to correspond, London Proofs. Signed ‘I.Lang’ border engraved case-hardened flat detented locks and dolphin hammers decorated with foliate scrollwork, engraved safety catches, highly figured half stocks each with chequered rounded butt and ovoidal pommel, the latter with fluted steel oval on a cushioned dark horn cap, dark horn fore-end caps each carved with a scallop shell, blued serial numbered spur trigger guards each decorated with scrolling foliage on the bow. Trigger plates each with scroll engraved pineapple shaped finial, adjustable set triggers, border engraved vacant silver escutcheons and barrel bolt escutcheons, no provision for ramrods.
In original highly figured mahogany case with original accessories including bag shaped Sykes brass mounted powder flask, rosewood handled turn screw and nipple key, loading rod, cap tin and bullet mould. The interior of the lid with maker's Haymarket address trade label, the exterior of the highly figured lid with circular vacant brass escutcheon centred on flush fitting brass carrying handle,
Nos. 307 & 308, Circa 1838
A high quality pair of pistols by one of the best London makers.
In very good condition with rebrown to barrels, good rifled bores.
Joseph Lang Gunmaker opened as Gun & Pistol Repository from Wilson’s Warehouse, Vigo Lane 7 Haymarket 1825-52, Shooting Gallery adjoining from 1827, 22 Cockspur St. Charing Cross 1853-74. Became Joseph Lang & Sons eventually amalgamating with Stephen Grant. Exhibited 4 and 6 barrel revolvers at the Great Exhibition, 1851. Popularised the pinfire breechloader. Died 1869