RARE AND IMPORTANT HISTORICAL CASED PAIR OF FLINTLOCK PISTOLS IDENTIFIED TO DR. BENJAMIN RUSH, SIGNOR OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE.

RARE AND IMPORTANT HISTORICAL CASED PAIR OF FLINTLOCK PISTOLS IDENTIFIED TO DR. BENJAMIN RUSH, SIGNOR OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. Cal .56. 3-1/8” oct bbls. Marked “H-NOCK” on the lockplates “LONDON” on bbls. In a typical English oak case with bullet mold, powder flask, cleaning rod with ball screw and one empty compartment. This set of pistols belonged to Dr. Benjamin Rush. Among the documents accompanying the pistols is an affidavit dated 1901 from his great grandson giving family history and ownership of these pistols until that date. Other documents describe Rush’s career and descent. He was, of course, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and an active Revolutionary War leader. Less well know is the fact that he was the preeminent physician of the day and was active in founding the hospital systems in the United States and known as the father of psychiatry. During his later life he was responsible for facilitating the reconciliation of friendship between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. A relationship which would last until their death. Henry Nock, the maker of these pistols, was one of the best known British gun makers of the time and it is reasonable to assume that Rush would have had an opportunity to purchase the pistols from him. Also accompanying the lot is replica of the Declaration showing Rush’s signature at the tail of John Hancock’s. There is also a small silhouette of a man in a top hat purported to be Benjamin Rush and copies of pages from his autobiography. CONDITION: Fine, retaining most of the finish on metal and wood. There are minor handling dents on the wood and slight fading to the casehardening colors on the locks but the blue on bbl tangs, trigger guards and tail pipes is bright. The three compartment flask has a dark patina and a replaced spring. The key works the lock. One of the latches on the front of the case is missing. 4-50096 (30,000-50,000)

Auction: Firearms - Fall 2003

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	473	$29,900.00	RARE AND IMPORTANT HISTORICAL CASED PAIR OF FLINTLOCK PISTOLS IDENTIFIED TO DR. BENJAMIN RUSH, SIGNOR OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. Cal .56. 3-1/8” oct bbls. Marked “H-NOCK” on the lockplates “LONDON” on bbls. In a typical English oak case with bullet mold, powder flask, cleaning rod with ball screw and one empty compartment. This set of pistols belonged to Dr. Benjamin Rush. Among the documents accompanying the pistols is an affidavit dated 1901 from his great grandson giving family history and ownership of these pistols until that date. Other documents describe Rush’s career and descent. He was, of course, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and an active Revolutionary War leader. Less well know is the fact that he was the preeminent physician of the day and was active in founding the hospital systems in the United States and known as the father of psychiatry. During his later life he was responsible for facilitating the reconciliation of friendship between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. A relationship which would last until their death. Henry Nock, the maker of these pistols, was one of the best known British gun makers of the time and it is reasonable to assume that Rush would have had an opportunity to purchase the pistols from him. Also accompanying the lot is replica of the Declaration showing Rush’s signature at the tail of John Hancock’s. There is also a small silhouette of a man in a top hat purported to be Benjamin Rush and copies of pages from his autobiography. CONDITION: Fine, retaining most of the finish on metal and wood. There are minor handling dents on the wood and slight fading to the casehardening colors on the locks but the blue on bbl tangs, trigger guards and tail pipes is bright. The three compartment flask has a dark patina and a replaced spring. The key works the lock. One of the latches on the front of the case is missing. 4-50096 (30,000-50,000) Auction: Firearms - Fall 2003 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

.red{fill:#B50938;} .white{fill:#FFFFFF;} .blue{fill:#005596;}