William Smith of London - rare and fine cased pair of early ...

Hammer

£6,500

William Smith of London - rare and fine cased pair of early 19th century flintlock pocket pistols, with provenance. Walnut stocks, with waterproof pans, a spring and bearing to the frizzon, safety catch on half-cock and figured Damascus barrels. Lock plates engraved 'William Smith - Lisle St, London' and barrels engraved 'W. Smith - London' to top. 1/2" bore, approx. Lock plates and trigger guards decorated with foliates, both complete with original brass tipped ramrods. Numbered to trigger guard '1636' - Smith is believed to have started numbering his works from 1000 onwards, making this the supposed 636th issued. Housed within their original case, with W. Smith trade label to the interior. Accompanied by its original period powder flask, bullet mould, cleaning rod and oil bottle. Actions in full working order, generally a very fine pair of pocket pistols. 

Provenance: the case with a period plaque to the exterior naming the set as belonging to one J. L. Sheppard of St John's College. A letter dated 1949 from St John's College Cambridge gives further details on the original owner - Revered John Lewin Sheppard - and reads, in part: (JLS)...was admitted to this College in 7th April 1814, matriculated in the University in the Michaelmas Term 1814 and too his BA degree in 1818....He was ordained deacon 6th June 1819 by the Bishop of Salisbury, and became curate of Pershore, Worcestershire... He was a fellow of the Society Of Antiquaries.' Ex-William Keith Neal Collection (Christies, early 2000s). Supplied with the original St John's College letter, a typed note regarding the numbering by William Keith Neal, and some later typed research.