Holster size; iron mounted pair of pistols; French style fleur- de-lys and reinforced trigger guard with long tangs; convex lock plate with small, raised teat at the rear; finely checkered wrist with a sculpted outline; silver wire inlay around barrel tang and rear entry ferrule for the rammer; round barrels are swamped and unusually filed to a top rib traveling breech tang to muzzle. The screw heads are engraved as are the two-piece side plates and buttcap; trigger guards are engraved. The locks feature roller frizzen; swan neck cocks; no markings or proofs or numbers anywhere inside or outside of lock. The poly groove rifled barrels are unusual in pistols of this period; quite attractive; period case with two compartments for accessories and wine colored interior; top handle; two latches [one is broken].
A note found within the case reads: carried by Capt. John Champe Carter, Revolutionary War / Virginia Militia, Albemarle County, VA.
CARTER, JOHN CHAMPE. (1758-1826). Continental officer. Virginia. John Champe Carter held the rank of ensign of the Seventh Virginia Regiment from 18 March 1776 until he resigned on 13 January 1777. On 30 October 1777 he became a captain of the First Continental Artillery. After the British took Charleston, Carter was part of the hasty retreat of those who were not included in the surrender of General Benjamin Lincoln. Carter was charged with not bringing his guns into action at Waxhaws, North Carolina, on 29 May 1780, when Colonel Banastre Tarleton defeated the fleeing Americans. Taken prisoner at Waxhaws, Carter remained a prisoner until the end of the war. He became brevet major on 30 September 1783.
Measurement: Overall length: 12"; barrel length: 7.5"; case: 2.25" x 17.25" x 8"
Material: Walnut stocks, silver wire inlay, baleen and cow horn ramrods, else iron
Condition: Very good overall, one case latch is broken, we have the piece which can be repaired. There are a few trivial tiny wood losses commensurate with age and use. Pistols are in bright finish... and display beautifully; actions are tight and smooth.
Provenance: This cased set is said to have been purchased from the original owner's family in Virginia; purportedly never on the market prior to 2002. Of course, we cannot prove this.
$10,750
SKU: 308-642
For More Information, Please Contact David Hillier at 978-597-8084 or email drh@aaawt.com
