With browned sighted barrels decorated with a spray of foliage at the breech, foliate engraved tang cut with a sighting groove, signed, border engraved locks decorated with sprays of foliage, hammers decorated en suite, full-stocked in walnut and cut with a band of chequering at the grip. Blued steel mounts comprising foliate engraved trigger guard and pain ram-rod pipes, brass tipped wooden ram rod. A beautiful pistol in superb condition.
Notes:
JOHN WIGGAN, GUNMAKER TO THE ROYAL FAMILY & THE PACHA OF EGYPT, NEWARK. This was written on a sporting gun that sold in Holts in 2014. I’ve attached a link below.
The other references to WIGGAN appear to suggest a family of gun makers who signed the name WIGGIN and then it changed to WIGGAN around 1828. I have found a reference to an advert that states - WIGGIN (WIGGAN) John (1828-1858) 26 Whittall St. 1836 advertisement:
‘J. Wiggan, continues to get up, at his Manufactory, 26 Whittall-street, Birmingham, the very first double-barrelled Guns, on the approved principle, in mahogany case, complete from £20 to £25. Most excellent Gamekeeper’s Guns, warranted in every respect, and strong shooters. From £8 to £12.’
De Witt Bailey & Douglas A. Nie (1978), English Gunmakers, Acro Publishing Company, New York.
Dimensions:
Bore: 10- Bore
Barrel Length: 6 Inches (15.5 cm)
Overall Length: 12 Inches (31 cm)