A Cased Pair Of 28-Bore Percussion Pistols

A Cased Pair Of 28-Bore Percussion Pistols By Tatham & Egg Of London, Nos. 77 And 78, Circa 1810-14 Rebuilt from flintlock by Wm. & Jn. Rigby of Dublin, with rebrowned twist octagonal sighted barrels each stamped on the bottom flat with indistinct Irish registration mark for Co. Wicklow, case-hardened breeches each engraved with a starburst on top and with two platinum lines and pierced platinum plug, foliate engraved tangs each with back-sight, border engraved flat detented locks signed in script and decorated with foliage, foliate engraved Rigby hammers, and blued safety-catches (one replaced), figured full stocks (some old bruising, one fore-end with repaired split) each with dark horn fore-end cap and chequered rounded butt, the latter with flat ovoidal pommel encircled by a silver band engraved with a repeated leaf design, the flats inset with a border engraved oval engraved 'TATHAM & EGG's IMPROVEMENT 776', the retaining screw engraved as a flower-head, steel trigger-guards and turned ramrod-pipes, the latter each with pineapple finial and decorated with a martial trophy on the border engraved bow, vacant silver escutcheons, and brass-mounted ramrods (the mounts with some old pitting): in oak case, probably original, relined and refitted by Rigby at the time of conversion, with some accessories including empty tin of Wm. & Jn. Rigby's, Dublin, Improved Anticorrosive Copper Caps, the interior of the lid with Wm. & Jn. Rigby's trade label, the exterior with flush-fitting brass carrying handle engraved 'Capt.n. Packenham R.N.' 21.7 cm. barrels Footnotes: Henry Tatham and Joseph Egg, Gunmakers & Sword Cutlers to George III, were in partnership at 37 Charing Cross, London between 1801 and 1814. The 'Improvement 776' probably refers to their breeching, which was narrowed to shorten the path of the flash ignition from the pan to the charge Capt.n. Packhenham R.N. may refer to the famous Irish Admiral Hon. Sir Thomas Packenham (1757-1836). A number of his sons and nephews also served in the Royal Navy including his son John (1790-1876) who also rose to the rank of Admiral. A nephew, the Hon. William Packenham, is listed as having died with the rank of Captain in 1811 This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: * * VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing