3304 RARE CHARLES LANCASTER 4 BARREL NICKEL PLATED

Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 2,500.00 USD
Estimated at 5,000.00 - 7,000.00 USD
PISTOL WITH CASE. Cal. 380. S# 7359. A later adaptation of the pepperbox, this pistol uses centerfire ammunition, which is fired by a revolving double-action striker. The 3-5/8" barrel group is engraved "Charles Lancaster Patent 151 New Bond St.". London proofs are on each barrel, and the left rib is engraved "380 C.F.". The barrel group is hinged at the bottom, and a "T"-shaped lifting latch at the top is actuated by a lever on the left side. The rotating firing mechanism is covered by two-piece checkered walnut grips in bird's-head form. The trigger guard is engraved with S#, and assembly number "87" is found on the barrel group and action frame. A lanyard loop is at the bottom of the grip. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: pistol is housed in an old, possibly original quartered oak case lined in green cloth, which contains a cartridge block and key. The consignor's tag indicates that this pistol was sold in October 1883 to Major A. D. MacKay. CONDITION: very good to fine. Metal retains about 60–70% of its original nickel plating with considerable flaking and loss on the barrel group, which shows cleaning. The grip frame also shows flaking on the front and back. The original oil finish on grips is very fine with raised wood grain. Oval rifled bores show some scattered pitting. Lock-up has a hint of looseness. The firing mechanism appears to be good. The exterior of the case shows restoration. Interior cloth was replaced. (01-24339/MGM). ANTIQUE. $5,000-7,000.