An auction of antique arms in London yesterday (April 18) was highlighted by the sale of a pair of pistols that once belonged to the aide-de-camp of King George III (1738-1820).
Bonhams' Knightsbridge auction brought over £1m ($1.6m) in total, with the pistols realising £58,850 ($94,357). The pistols were given an initial estimate of £30,000-40,000, which corresponds to a 47% increase.
 Alexander Ross' Indian pistols |
The lot comprised an exceptional pair of Indian 28-bore silver-mounted flintlock pistols with silver barrels, the original English lined mahogany case and a silver-plated powder flask.
They belonged to Lt. Col. Alexander Ross, the Scottish aide-de-camp of King George III. The pistols were gifted to the Scotsman by Lt. Col. Claude Martin, a soldier who deserted the French army to join the East India Company.
The barrels of these exquisite firearms are signed "L. Col. Claude. Martin" and "Lucknow Arsenal", with Ross' monogram "AR" present on the accompanying powder flask.
Alexander Ross' numerous military accomplishments include serving as Captain of the Grenadiers during the American war of independence and as aide-de-camp of Charles Cornwallis. Upon his return to England he was appointed aide-de-camp to King George III.
Paul Fraser Collectibles has previously reported on the provenance of other items from the auction. A pair of pistols formerly belonging to Sir John Rushout were expected as top lot. The pistols, presented to the former "Father of the House", made £51,650, comfortably within estimate.
Another pair of pistols, this time belonging to Sir James Hope Grant, achieved £31,250 against an estimate of £25,000-35,000. The items come from the collection of Norman H Dixon, who passed away in 2011.
Paul Fraser Collectibles' has a great selection of militaria on offer as well as continuing to bring you the best from the military collecting world in our news section.
