Rare and Historic Firearms from the Blanchard Foundation Collection

Bonhams Skinner presents its Autumn auctions, featuring Rare and Historic Firearms from the Blanchard Foundation Collection.

This collection, rooted in the legacy of James U. Blanchard III, is a testament to his lifelong passion for history and his disciplined approach to collecting. "James Blanchard had an eye for pieces that tell a story," notes Christopher Fox, Vice President and Director of Historic Arms & Militaria at Bonhams Skinner, as he highlights some of his favourite lots set to go under the hammer.

Blanchard’s journey began at the age of 10, with the acquisition of a double-barrel percussion shotgun, marking the start of a collection that would come to include some of the most historically significant firearms. The collection was not merely about accumulation; it was about preserving history. His focus on Manhattan Company revolvers, for instance, was driven by a desire to document and share their significance. "Blanchard’s dedication to creating a comprehensive work on these revolvers underscores his commitment to historical preservation," Fox explains. Unfortunately, Blanchard passed away before completing this manuscript, leaving behind a remarkable collection that speaks volumes about his meticulous approach and passion for history.

Beyond firearms, Blanchard’s interests extended to American manuscripts, Civil War-era photography, and historic documents, reflecting a broad love for history. He also played a pivotal role in the movement to legalize private gold ownership in the United States. "His influence stretched beyond collecting," says Fox, "making an impact on both history and the market." Many of these items were sold at auction in 2001, but the remaining collection now offers a rare opportunity for collectors and historians alike to acquire pieces from one of America’s most dedicated collectors.

Lot 1051

A Pair of Paktong Mounted Four-Barrel Flintlock Volley Pistols, by Onion & Simes, Birmingham, England, 1769-74.

This attractive pair of pistols have barrels and frames cast from the bright yellow Chinese alloy Paktong.  Paktong was an expensive alloy of nickel, copper and zinc used primarily in domestic items such as candlesticks, fireplace implement handles, furniture fittings and table wares.  Occasionally it was used in firearms.  Adding to the rarity of this pair of pistols is the fact that each is mounted with four barrels that fire simultaneously in volley fashion.  Volley pistols were often used in a naval context, and it is possible that this pair was owned by a British naval officer.

Lot 1089

A Rare Engraved Volcanic Repeating Arms Company Lever Action Pistol, New Haven, Connecticut, c. 1855.

The Volcanic Repeating Arms Company was founded in 1855 by American firearms industry pioneers Horace Smith and Daniel B. Wesson to refine and put into production a lever operated ammunition loading mechanism first invented in 1848.  Their improvements led to the production of pistols and carbines.  One of the company’s investors, Oliver Winchester, who took over ownership of the company in late 1856 formed the New Haven Arms Company, the predecessor of the Winchester Arms Company.  The Volcanic Repeating Arms Company lever action pistol represents an important steppingstone in the development of the internationally famous Winchester repeating rifle.

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Lot 1105

A Cased, Engraved and Nickel-Plated Manhattan Navy Model Series III Revolver, Manhattan Fire Arms Manufacturing Company, Newark, New Jersey, 1861-64.

Developed in direct competition with Colt’s famous Model 1851 Navy revolver, the Manhattan Navy was lighter and more compact while maintaining the same effectiveness of its competitor.  This rare example is important because it is beautifully engraved, nickel plated, presented in a fitted case and survives in virtually like-new condition presenting a rare opportunity to acquire one of the finest-known surviving Manhattan revolvers.

Lot 1041

A Cased Pair of French Percussion Dueling Pistols, by Henry Rieger, Successor, Maison Lefaucheux, Paris, late 19^th century.

Finely preserved cased pairs of pistols such as these offer a glimpse into what fine pistols looked like when they were new.  The barrels retain virtually all of their original blued color and the locks and steel fittings on the carved walnut stocks present a rainbow of colors caused by the case hardening process.  Such colors on barrels and other elements naturally wear away with use and cleaning diminishing the skill and artistry of gunmakers of centuries past.

Lot 1032

A Pair of 43^rd Regiment Memorial Presentation Percussion Pocket Pistols, by William & John Rigby, Dublin, Ireland, mid-19^th century.

Presentation arms are special because they are intimately connected to a person or historic event.  This pair of pistols bears the engraved inscription "In Memory of/Patrick Davidson/Surgeon/43rd Light Infantry/Shot in an attack of Caffres/when accompanying an Escort/conveying provisions from/King Williams Town to the/Camp in the Amatolas on the/14 Febry 1852" and were likely present to a member of the soldier’s family after his death.  The action in which Surgeon Davidson was killed was part of the century-long series of Xhosa Wars between European colonists and the Xhosa people of South Africa.

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