Clark of Holborn, London Cased Pair .50 Caliber Percussion Dueling Pistols
SOLD FOR: $4,230.06
LSB#: LSB250731KK015 & LSB250731KK016
Make: Clark of Holborn, London
Model: Cased Pair Percussion Dueling Pistols
Serial Number: None, as expected for the period
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1840s–1850s (Antique)
Caliber: .50 Caliber (approximate)
Action Type: Single Shot, Percussion Ignition
Markings: The top flats of the barrels are marked “CLARK HOLBORN LONDON.” Both locks are engraved “CLARK” with surrounding scroll engraving. The original case label bears partial visible text and the royal arms of Great Britain, typical of Clark’s London trade label. The lid escutcheon bears an engraved crest featuring a unicorn over a coronet.
Barrel Length: 10″ to the tang, approximately 9 3/8″ to the touch hole
Sights / Optics: Each pistol is fitted with a small front bead sight and a notched rear sight integrated into the breech tang.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The pistols feature finely checkered walnut grips with deeply curved handles, silver escutcheons, and engraved furniture. The wood shows rich figure and tight checkering with age-appropriate handling marks. Each has a clean wrist and well-defined flats, showing classic English balance and profile.
Type of Finish: Browned Damascus barrels with blued and case-hardened steel furniture, exhibiting elegant scroll engraving.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright with strong rifling .There is light oxidation near the touch holes. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate 9.5/10 for their age.
Overall Condition: The pistols retain much of their original brown and gray patina, with visible Damascus patterning and crisp engraving. Case colors have softened to an attractive aged tone. Light marks and faint oxidation are present, consistent with careful storage and age. The locks hold properly at half- and full-cock.
Mechanics: The locks function correctly with crisp half-cock and full-cock notches. Triggers break cleanly and show excellent mechanical alignment. We did not fire these pistols. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Accessories: The fitted mahogany case includes its original green baize interior with partitions for both pistols and accessories. Accessories include a large green shagreen (genuine ray skin) powder flask with brass mounts, a combination ball mold and sprue cutter, a turn-screw, an oiler, a cleaning/tamping rod, and three empty percussion cap tins—one each by Eley Bros (London), Hicks, and UMC (Bridgeport, Conn.). The case lid retains its worn but legible maker’s trade label featuring the British royal arms and Clark’s Holborn address.
Condition of Case: The mahogany case shows a warm aged finish with a brass lid medallion engraved with a unicorn crest. The interior baize lining is intact with some expected wear and minor losses at compartment edges. Hinges and lock appear functional.
Our Assessment:
This magnificent cased pair of .50 caliber percussion dueling pistols by Clark of Holborn, London, is a quintessential example of mid-19th century British craftsmanship. Clark was a known London gunmaker working from Holborn, producing high-quality sporting and dueling arms during the percussion era. The pistols exhibit balanced proportion, finely figured walnut, and tasteful engraving consistent with the work of London’s best makers.
The pair’s percussion ignition represents the height of refinement in dueling pistols before the widespread adoption of metallic cartridges. The .50 caliber round ball was the gentleman’s standard for accuracy and effectiveness at measured distance. The cased ensemble is further elevated by its complete suite of original period accessories—powder flask, ball mold, oiler, and percussion tins—each carefully fit to the green baize interior.
With its intact trade label, unicorn-engraved lid escutcheon, and beautifully preserved matched pair, this Clark dueling set stands as a distinguished representation of London’s gunmaking excellence in the age of the percussion duel. It is both a mechanical and aesthetic artifact of the Regency-to-Victorian transition, deserving of display in any fine collection of antique arms. So bid high and bid firm. I encourage you to look at the item’s condition in our high-quality photos. Good luck with your bid. -K.F.
