Product Details
TATHAM & EGG, LONDON
A 56-BORE SILVER-MOUNTED SINGLE-TRIGGER OVER AND UNDER FLINTLOCK POCKET PISTOL,
circa 1810-15, with 3in. reblued octagonal barrels each with platinum-inlaid line and platinum-lined makers stamp 'TATHAM & EGG' at the breech, the upper barrel with silver fore-sight, platinum-lined touch-holes, iron tang finely engraved with foliage and a small trophy and inlaid with a platinum line and incorporating the rear-sight, border and foliate engraved flat bevelled bolted locks each signed 'TATHAM & EGG' and with stepped-tail, French cock, gold-lined rainproof pan and roller, figured walnut stock with chequered butt (repaired beneath left lock), silver spurred pommel engraved with borders of running foliage and two martial trophies, the pommel-cap engraved with the coat of arms and motto of General Sir James Willoughby-Gordon, silver trigger-guard engraved with foliate borders and a large trophy of arms surmounted by a crown, silver escutcheon engraved with the crest of Sir James Willoughby-Gordon, and original iron ramrod with hatched tip, some scattered patches of minor surface corrosion), silver maker's mark 'MB' for Moses Brent.
Provenance: The property of the Late Mr. Brock-Voeten.
Other Notes: Sir Willoughby-Gordon, Bart, G.C.B, G.C.H. (1772-1851) began his military career in 1783 as an Ensign in the 66th Foot rising to the rank of General in 1841. He served with his regiment in Ireland, Jamaica and North America, was a volunteer with Lord Hood's fleet at the siege of Toulon in 1793, was present at the surrender of the French force at Bantry Bay in 1796 and was in command of the 85th Regiment when it occupied Madiera in 1800-01. He was appointed Quarter-Master-General to the Duke of Wellington's Peninsula forces in 1811 but was forced to resign from active service due to ill health the following year. Sir James was a career soldier and held virtually every staff appointment which it was possible to hold. In recognition of his military service he was created a Baronet in December 1818.
Estimate £5,000-7,000
THE ABOVE LOT IS PURCHASED AS AN EXEMPT ITEM UNDER SECTION 58 (2) OF THE 1968 FIREARMS ACT. TO BE HELD AS A CURIOSITY OR ORNAMENT.