^Lot 2406 PAIR OF "AS FOUND" FLINTLOCK DUELLING OR HOLSTER

PISTOLS BY WOGDON IN ORIGINAL CASE. Cal. 55 (both). S# NSN (both). This pair of pistols have 9" swamped octagon barrels engraved "Wogdon LONDON" on top flat. Touch holes are platinum lined. Scroll engraved breech irons are fitted with broad "U" notch rear sights. Locks, having chamfered plates with rebated tails, are fitted with serpentine cocks having back sliding safetys, non-waterproof pans, bridled friction frizzens and feather springs with bulbous finials having teats. "Wogdon" is at centers. Triggers are set. Slab sided bag grip stocks of dense European walnut extend to muzzles and attach to barrels with two captive side bolts without escutcheons. Iron mounts consist of trigger guards with floral and scroll engraving on bows having relief acorn finials and steel grip caps which are also floral engraved. Horn tipped ramrods mount through beaded pipes with matching thimbles. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: pistols are housed in their original quartered oak case with moulded top edge and pivoting hook closure. Case has correct early period bail handle on top and fancy brass key escutcheon on front. Interior is lined in pilled green cloth and contains a very early, probably original nutcracker type ball mould marked "24" in center compartment, early brass and walnut loading rod sits over pistols. There are two covered compartments; one containing balls cast by this mould that fit pistols perfectly, the other contains a steel ball puller that fits loading rod and an old key (possibly original lock does not work). CONDITION: good; original "as found". All metal parts show cleaning as maintenance and present a dark silver gray appearance. Stocks have many marks and dings in their original finish and are sound without any noted repairs. There is some wood missing from one pistol just under front side bolt. An 1-1/2" crack is along barrel channel right side near muzzle on the other pistol. The stock of this pistol is noticeably lighter in color. Bores are fine; shiny with a few scattered pits. Locks are quite good; safetys probably gummed. One trigger will not set, probably for the same reason. Case shows considerable wear with probable old refinish. Interior cloth is good with some rubs and cut to access carrying handle. Leather tabs for lifting compartment covers are broken off. Top is partially detached from frame at rear due to closing with loading rod improperly stowed. A very good pair of early Wogdons ca 1780. PROVENANCE: Estate Collection of Nicholas Apergis. (01-27511/MGM). ANTIQUE. $4,000-8,000.