A Gun In A Holster, By Thomas Hammond Fiske

A case containing a pair of percussion dueling pistols, manufactured in the 1840s by the renowned gunsmith Thomas Hammond Fiske of Portsmouth. The set includes a powder flask with a brass spout, a lead ball mold, a loading and cleaning rod, as well as spare lead projectiles housed in special compartments lined with velvet.

These are a pair of muzzle-loading percussion dueling or sporting pistols, characterized by heavy (rifled or smoothbore) flanged barrels, engraved triggers, and checkered walnut grips adorned with silver inlays on the grip panels.

Thomas Hammond Fiske operated in Portsmouth, a major military port on the south coast of England. Gunsmiths based in major military and naval cities frequently supplied high-quality handguns to officers, aristocrats, and the local gentry. Fiske was highly regarded for crafting sturdy, well-proportioned firearms, enhanced with fine English engraving featuring foliage motifs, grips with his characteristic checkered pattern, and elegant silver mountings.