Antique English North Side By Side .59 Cal Percussion Pistol Matched Pair
SOLD FOR: $1,125.00
LSB#: LSB260419DN003, LSB260419DN004
Make: North
Model: Side By Side Percussion Pistol
Serial#: 007435, 007436
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1840s-1860s
Caliber: .59 Smoothbore
Action Type: Side By Side, Percussion, Muzzleloading, Smooth Bore, Pistols, with double triggers.
Markings: The lock plates are marked “North”. The bottom of the barrels are marked with English black powder proofs. There are consecutive serial numbers marked on the lower tangs. The serial numbers were applied at a later date.
Barrel Length: 4 1/2″
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a brass bead drilled and tapped into the rib. There is no provision for a rear sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The stock is one piece checkered walnut, tipped forend and single wedge retention. There are scratches and compression dents throughout. There are a few light chips and gouges throughout. The forend on #007436 has a repaired crack on the left side. Overall these stocks are in Good condition.
Type of Finish: Damascus, Case Hardening.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores have been honed. There is still minor pitting and light corrosion in the bores. In this writer’s opinion these bores rate 7/10.
Overall Condition: These pistols retain about 20% of their original finish. The damascus shows some twist distinction. There are light scratches and nicks throughout. There are some light corrosion stains throughout. There are some nicks and dings around the muzzle. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are mostly clear. Overall these pistols are in Good condition.
Mechanics: These pistols are in functional condition. The hammers hold full and half cock. The nipples are seized. The firing channels are clear. We did not fire these pistols. As with all used guns a full cleaning may be necessary to meet your standards.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: None
Our Assessment: These North side-by-side percussion pistols are an attractive matched pair of antique English smoothbore muzzleloading pistols, dating to the circa 1840s–1860s period and chambered in approximately .59 caliber. Each pistol features 4 1/2″ Damascus barrels, double triggers, percussion ignition, checkered walnut stocks, tipped forends, single wedge retention, and brass bead front sights mounted to the ribs. The “North” lockplate markings, English black powder proofs, and later-applied consecutive serial numbers, 007435 and 007436, give the pair strong identity and presentation appeal as a coordinated set of mid-19th century English percussion pistols.
Condition is Good overall, with the pistols retaining about 20% of their original finish. The Damascus barrels still show some twist distinction, while the metal surfaces exhibit light scratches, nicks, corrosion staining, and some dings around the muzzles. The screw heads remain sharp, and the markings are mostly clear. The one-piece checkered walnut stocks show scratches, compression dents, light chips, and gouges throughout, with pistol #007436 having a repaired crack on the left side of the forend. Overall, the stocks remain presentable and consistent with well-used but cared-for antique pistols.
The bores have been honed and retain some minor pitting and light corrosion, rating 7/10 in this writer’s opinion. Mechanically, both pistols are functional in that the hammers hold at full and half cock and the firing channels are clear, though the nipples are seized and will require attention before any firing use is considered. The pistols have not been test fired, and as with any antique black powder arm, careful cleaning and inspection by a qualified gunsmith would be prudent. Overall, this is a desirable matched pair of English North percussion pistols with appealing Damascus barrels, functional lockwork, and strong antique display value, with the seized nipples, honed bores, and moderate finish loss being the primary condition limitations. Please see our photos and good luck on your bids! MF