4400

AMERICAN NORTHWEST FUR TRADE PISTOL BY WILLIAM &

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
AMERICAN NORTHWEST FUR TRADE PISTOL BY WILLIAM &
GEORGE CHANCE OF BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND. Cal. 64 cal. NSN. Bbl. 12 3/4". This pistol was made by William and George Chance of Birmingham, England between the years 1832 and 1834. John Jacob Astor of the American Fur Trade Company was known to have done extensive business with the firm headed by William Chance during its various iterations. He purchased innumerable muskets and pistols from various British firms and particularly William Chance. These guns were, in turn, traded to the Native Americans for the furs that were so highly valued in England. The octagon to round barrel has a brass bladed front sight and is stamped "LONDON" on the top facet. The barrel tang is engraved with details that match the foliate engraving to the rear of the cock. The lock is boldly stamped "W&G CHANCE" under the pan. The brass trigger guard and buttcap are embellished with sprays of arms that include arrows and spears. The brass side plate has foliate decoration and there is an oval brass escutcheon at the top of the wrist. There is a brass ramrod thimble and entry thimble that support a wooden ramrod that is a likely early replacement. The stock shows outline carving around the lock, side plate, and barrel tang. CONDITION: iron was likely cleaned some time ago and has acquired a fine, light to medium gray patina. Brass has a light mustard patina. Lock functions well and holds both full and half cock. There is a tiny amount of fill at the edge of the buttcap. Very good bore. (01-25817/BF). ANTIQUE. $2,000-3,000.