Great Coat Percussion Pistol, Likely English Made For American Market

Lockplate Engraved W. H. Smith

The silver shield-shape thumbpiece is engraved D. Rorer... purportedly the pistol remained in the original family [Rorer] by descent until recently.

The pistol is signed William H. Smith who appears in Rochester, New York census lists from 1838 to 1859 as a gunsmith. He is known to have worked for Billinghurst for a long while... his name appears under Billinghurst barrels; Smith is known for his fine quality workmanship.
*In this case, based on other known pistols, all with same engraving - these pistols were made in England to be exported to America.

The octagonal barrel with excellent bore features silver bands at the breech and, a silver bead-sight; the barrel flat is engraved "NEW YORK". The breech tang and associated screw also engraved. The barrel and rib display a nice, mottled brown and smokey gray smooth surface. Lockplate features leafy engraving and is engraved "W. H. SMITH"... the bolster is lightly engraved. The nose-cap, rear entry pipe, cap box cover [in butt]; barrel key and lock screw escutcheons are all German silver... interestingly the engraved German silver trigger guard with long tang and engraved forend finial is stamped "GERMAN SILVER". The walnut stock is finely checkered within border engraving and is of a rich color and patina.

Date: Likely 1860's or 1870's

Measurement: Barrel: 5 7/8", .54-caliber

Condition: Fine original condition

$2,125

SKU: 1459-2

For More Information, Please Contact David Hillier at 978-597-8084 or email drh@aaawt.com.

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