Lock Stock & Barrel Auctions, Live Auction #3 - Cody, Wyoming
Sat, Mar 1, 2025 11:00AM EST
Live Auction
Lot 250
Antique Early 1800s J. Probin London Made Flintlock 50 Cal. 14” Double Barrel Howdah Pistol
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $10 |
| $100 | $25 |
| $500 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $200 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $25,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
Make: J. Probin “Maker to His Royal Highness The Prince Of Wales”
Model: Howdah Pistol
Serial#: NVSN
Year of Manufacture: 1800-1820
Caliber: .50 Cal
Action Type: Flintlock Muzzleloaded Double Barrel Pistol
Markings: Pistol by J Probin London good walnut stock with steel fitting all engraved with floral designs. The two matching lock plates marked “J PROBIN" all in working order. The centre of the double barrels engraved with “MAKER TO HIS R H THE PRINCE OF WALES” complete with Ivory tipped wooden rammer.
Barrel Length: 10.25”
Sights/ Optics: There is a silver blade front sight on the rib in the center of the barrels. A dished section at the breech serves as the rear sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The stock is walnut with a slot in the forend for the ramrod, two lock-plates and an English style grip with stock. The stock has minor age cracks and shrinkage near the locks. The pistol has been adorned with a metal butt cap and large trigger guard. The floral designs are scattered throughout. There is an Ivory rammer on the ramrod. Overall, the stock is in very good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue, silver, steel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dark with scattered corrosion, surface rust and erosion.
Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 30% of its original finish. There is a lot of observable blue on top of the barrels.The markings are clear. The left lock screw is broken off. The lock still functions fine. The screwheads have light tool-marks and remain serviceable. There is lots of patina showing. Overall, the pistol is in very good condition.
Mechanics: Though the left side’s action is missing a screw and should be addressed by a competent smith, the half-cock safety does engage. The action does function completely correctly. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: none
Our Assessment: The flintlock pistols defined an entire century as warfare began revolutionizing its use of black powder. Double barrel pistols were popular with officers, especially in India. John Probin was active in the late 18th century through the end of the Regency Era. His dueling and officer's horse pistols appear to have been popular and are very well-made. The barrels are steel and have a blade front sight on the rib near the muzzles, the locks have advanced features, including rainproof pans. A dished section at the breech serves as the rear sight. There is floral and martial themed engraving on the various components.
Model: Howdah Pistol
Serial#: NVSN
Year of Manufacture: 1800-1820
Caliber: .50 Cal
Action Type: Flintlock Muzzleloaded Double Barrel Pistol
Markings: Pistol by J Probin London good walnut stock with steel fitting all engraved with floral designs. The two matching lock plates marked “J PROBIN" all in working order. The centre of the double barrels engraved with “MAKER TO HIS R H THE PRINCE OF WALES” complete with Ivory tipped wooden rammer.
Barrel Length: 10.25”
Sights/ Optics: There is a silver blade front sight on the rib in the center of the barrels. A dished section at the breech serves as the rear sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The stock is walnut with a slot in the forend for the ramrod, two lock-plates and an English style grip with stock. The stock has minor age cracks and shrinkage near the locks. The pistol has been adorned with a metal butt cap and large trigger guard. The floral designs are scattered throughout. There is an Ivory rammer on the ramrod. Overall, the stock is in very good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue, silver, steel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dark with scattered corrosion, surface rust and erosion.
Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 30% of its original finish. There is a lot of observable blue on top of the barrels.The markings are clear. The left lock screw is broken off. The lock still functions fine. The screwheads have light tool-marks and remain serviceable. There is lots of patina showing. Overall, the pistol is in very good condition.
Mechanics: Though the left side’s action is missing a screw and should be addressed by a competent smith, the half-cock safety does engage. The action does function completely correctly. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: none
Our Assessment: The flintlock pistols defined an entire century as warfare began revolutionizing its use of black powder. Double barrel pistols were popular with officers, especially in India. John Probin was active in the late 18th century through the end of the Regency Era. His dueling and officer's horse pistols appear to have been popular and are very well-made. The barrels are steel and have a blade front sight on the rib near the muzzles, the locks have advanced features, including rainproof pans. A dished section at the breech serves as the rear sight. There is floral and martial themed engraving on the various components.
Lock Stock & Barrel Auctions
2301 Lt. Childers St.
Cody, WY 82414
United States
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