RS Clark - Dueling Set ?? Help!

jcbrown23602

February 06, 2011 19:48

Hi again! I have come into possession of two sets of old pieces. I do know that each pair matches each other but I don't know if it's a set of 4. The large ones have RS Clark on them and London on the other side. The smaller ones just have some numbers (serial numbers??) written on the handle. There are two sets of numbers on each though. One set is on the grip where your fingers would wrap around in from of the grip and the other number is where the receiver attaches to the grip. I have no idea what these are and would appreciate any help you could give. I do know that the chest they are in is actually not original to the guns. It was a verrrrrrry old antique silverware chest converted into a case for these pistols. Also, I only posted pictures one 1 each as they are identical.

To be specific, if you know the following I'd appreciate it so much!

What it is?
Who made it?
Where it was made?
When it was made?
Caliber?
Value? (I know this is in the eye of the beholder,...any opinions help though!)

Thanks!

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  rufe-snow

  February 06, 2011 20:02

  The numbers look like inventory rather then serial numbers to me though, specially where they're located. Without the British proof marks, notwithstanding the London marking, they were probably made in Belgium rather then in England.
  
  EDIT #1, sorry didn't answer all your questions.
  
  Box Lock percussion pistols, circa 1820's-1850's? Probably Belgian made if their are no English proofs. Unknown calibers. Values for Belgian pistols are not close to original English made ones.
  
  
  EDIT #2, They're not dueling pistols. The small ones are muff pistols. The larger ones are pocket pistols.

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  rhmc24

  February 07, 2011 02:20

  Rufe is right. I would add that the one with the barrel removed is a type often referred to as a 'turnoff' because the barrel turns off to load. The squared inside muzzle takes a square lug usually on the bullet mold that was used as a wrench to remove the barrel.
  
  The octagon barrel pair are likely 'turnoff' also. I would caution to use care trying to unscrew because many are frozen from rust and time. Improper tools, excess force and lack of know-how can easily damage a fine gun.
  
  Turnoffs, as a type, can date from the 1600s back in flintlock times. Popular due ease of loading, no need of patch or wadding, no ramrod, etc. They shot harder. The ball was cast a bit larger than the bore which caused a higher/quicker explosion pressure.

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  11b6r

  February 07, 2011 07:00

  Regarding the "turn off" style- if you DO want to open those, would apply Kroil, and let set for a couple of days. There were several Adams gun makers in London- ran across one very similar to your that had Belgian proofs AND Birmingham proofs. Mr Adams was buying components made (and proofed) in Belgium, assembled them in England, which now required their proofing in Birmingham.
  
  BTW, if you have not already done so, use a ramrod or dowel to check for loads. A surprising number of older guns are found still loaded.

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