Hollis of Cheltenham Superb Hollis \"Manstopper\" belt pistols cased pair. 16 Bore/gauge Single Shot

This is a very pretty pair of 16 Bore Percussion Man Stopper Belt Pistols by William Hollis of Cheltenham with 4” barrels. The sighted and browned octagonal barrels are signed ‘Hollis Cheltenham’ along the top flats, brass breeches decorated with foliage, fitted below with captive ramrods, stamped with London proofs, profusely engraved box lock actions, fitted with rear sights & blued belt clips, cocks are also decorated. Finely chequered walnut butts with outstanding Lions head butt caps and vacant silver escutcheons. In their original lined, fitted case with all accessories including powder flask, bullet mould, turn-screw etc. The inner lid of the case has the trade label for Hollis, reading “William Hollis, Gun Manufacturer, 346 High Street, Cheltenham. Guns, Rods and Tackle made to order”.

Hollis was a maker of quality guns and resident in Cheltenham between 1829 and 1856. Over the years I have seen several of Hollis’ pistols with Lions and Grotesque masks on the butt and he appears to have had a predilection for them.

The trade label is additionally signed in black in George L Walton July 7th 1857 with a Gwent address, Gwent being a county in South East Wales. I have no doubt that given the quality of this set and their high cost at the time that George Walton would be a researchable gentleman, It is always a bonus to be able to discern provenance.

The exterior of the lid with a brass circular escutcheon (vacant) and military style brass corner protectors.

An attractive cased pair of pistols likely made towards the end of Hollis’ career.