Collectors of antiques dream of finding rare weapons that have been exceptionally well-cared for. This concept is perhaps best represented by the term "one owner car" in the antique vehicle market; which invokes an antique lovingly protected by a single, faithful custodian over generations.
While the age difference prevents a direct "one owner" parallel in the antique gun world—firearms are centuries older than classic cars—the underlying search for sentiment remains. Collectors of antique weapons often seek out guns that have been held in the same family for generations or in a singular collection for decades.
The reasons for this preference are simple. Antiques kept "off the market" for a significant portion of their existence are generally more original and better preserved than those passed through numerous hands - the more owners an antique has had, the more likely it is that at least some of the subsequent owners may have attempted some degree of ill-advised "restoration," such as refinishing or part replacement, in a misguided attempt to "improve" their investment. However, in reality, it is the guns that are "untouched" and in good honest condition that command premium prices.
It is for this reason, that we are proud to present the guns from our latest acquisition, which directly speaks to the collector's dream: this collection was amassed by a single family in the 1920s and 1930s and was immediately placed into a museum, where it remained until we acquired it late last year. For nearly a century, these guns have been off the open market and under the professional care of a museum. This means the vast majority of these weapons are untouched and completely original; while those do show evidence of repair work, having had this work completed during the late 19th and early 20th Centuries! These are authentic time capsules, which we have chosen to present complete with their original, neatly applied museum ID numbers as a testament to their history. (The numbers can be easily removed with acetone, leaving no damage, but we believe they enhance the story.)
This particular set of "tap action" pistols is in great shape and features an original fitted oak case. According to museum documents thiw set was originally purchased at an antique shop in New Orleans in 1930.
This actions of this little pair are often referred to as a "boxlock" which houses the mechanism on the interior of the firearm rather than mounted on the side. These actions were simple to produce and were extremely popular in the fourth quarter of the 18th Century and well into the 19th Century.
This particular set of pistol are both in excellent condition. They were made by London Henry Richards, who operated as a gunmaker on Blackfriars Road, London. Richards had a long and prolific career, working as a gunsmith between 1750 and 1810. These particular pistols likely date to the end of Richards career in the late 18th Century, as evidenced by their "flat sided" receivers (later guns generally feature round receivers). The receivers feature sharp proofmarks.
Additionally, these pistols each feature not one but two barrels. These barrels could be fired independently via an ingenious rotating "drum" contained in the priming pan. This drum contained two seperate chambers, each with its own vent. When loading and firing the gun, each of these chambers were primed the same way one would prime the pan of a traditional flintlock. The top barrel could be fired by flipping the lever on the left side of the receiver to the "9 o'clock" position. This exposed the priming charge and aligned the vent hole in the chamber with the main charge of the top barrel. In order to fire the bottom barrel, the shooter simply recocked the lock, and flicked the lever to the "6 o'clock" position to rotate the drum and expose the second priming charge and vent hole that aligned with main charge of the lower barrel. This "tap action" mechanism, as it became known to collectors, allowed the user to quickly fire two shots without having to reload or even re-prime the lock.
The mechanism of both guns are in great shape. Each cock holds solid on both full and half cock. The frizzen springs are crisp. The rotating drums of the tap action work very well, although the spring on one of the drums is a bit weak. The barrels measures roughly .40 caliber and all are in good condition with no major rust or pitting in the bores.
The original walnut grips are in excellent condition with no damage.
These pistols are neatly fitted into an original oak case which features felt line dividers for various tools and loading components. Unfortunately, most of the original accessories are lost to history; however an original copper powder flask is present and in good working order.
The case itself is in great condition with no damage or issues. A nice brass blank was neatly inletted into the lid and features the words "R. ASHLEY" engraved on it.
