The Oddest Pair of Pistols Yet

[Professor Marvel]

For Your edification and amusement

Auctioned off by Christies -

The only known pair of Singing Bird Pistols

http://www.christies.com/features/singing-bird-pistols-en-1422-3.aspx

[Hedley Lamarr]

Yeah, and when the hammer fell, they sold for 5.8 million US dollars.

[Fox Creek Kid]

Did they make a model with tritium bird eyes for night shooting? 


Thanks for the link. BEAUTIFUL craftsmanship. 

[GunClick Rick]

Hell i'd just like to have the outer box!

[Colt Fanning]

It is not a pair but it is odd.

Regards
Colt Fanning

[St. George]

I have something quite similar - in .303 British...

Picked it up in Northern Afghanistan, not so long ago - it's Martini action is covered with proof marks and lettering that bear zero resemblance to anything 'real' - but are there to fool the uneducated tribesman that the weapon's been properly built - and is 'engraved' as well - with light scrollwork.

They'd pull several strands of Cordite from a service load, and then replace the projectile, and 'waa-laa' - shoot the thing.

('Cordite' is a long-strand propellant, by the way - used most heavily by the British - but made popular in novels, because the authors could spell it, and it sounded somehow ominous.)

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[The Elderly Kid]

Wow! Any old pistol can go "bang."

[Steel Horse Bailey]

Fellas, I've got to add just this:

As old as those Birdie pistols are, I'd only use Black Powder in them!





Seriously, that has to be one of the most amazing feats of watchmaking skill ever!

St. George, can you post a pic of your "treasure?"  It sounds pretty cool as well - like the ones pictured.

[Danny Bear Claw]

Interesting?  Yes.  One has to admire the workmanship that went into them.  5.8 million for a pair of pistols that don't shoot.   

[Shotgun Franklin]

For about 30 minutes I owned a highly engraved, gold inlaid Colt SAA. I took it straight to a friend and sold it to him. I wanted to shoot it so bad I almost couldn't stand it. I had to sell it quick. It was more art work than gun.

[St. George]

Being somewhat of a Luddite, I don't post photos, to speak of.

I'll see what I can do, though.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Professor Marvel]

Being somewhat of a Luddite, I don't post photos, to speak of.

Ahhhhh My Dear St. George -

Only Somewhat of a Luddite?

If Perhaps you would like to take your Ludditism to the next level, This Winter as a special Diversion I plan to be offering a limited number of seats to my next

LimeLight Lecture Series:

"The Luddite in the 21st Century"
    ~ or ~
" How To Perfect and Project Your Own Anachronistic Anarchy For the Amusement and Profit of the General Populace"

with special attention  to the correct definition and historic use of the oft-misunderstood  Sabot .

Coming late to small venue theatres in selected townships nowhere near anyone.

yhs
prof marvel

[St. George]

Professor,

I'm pretty familiar with the modern-day 'sabot'  and that's with practical experience.

To paraphrase a line spoken by Clint Eastwood:  'It'll Blow Your Turret Clean Off...'

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Professor Marvel]

Ah My Dear Saint George -

Thank you kindly for providing the opening that encourages me to expound vociferously upon absurd subjects -



As you are no doubt aware, the Luddites were an organized group that were opposed to the modernization and mechanization of the Mills, believing that the subsequent job loss would be devastating to the communities. They were well known for rushing a Factory En Mass and destroying whatever mechanical equipment they were able.

As the owners responded with armed guards, the Luddites replied with subterfuge, getting jobs in the mills and when no one was about they would literally " throw a wrench" into the works.

When owners began searching workers for unauthorized tools, bars, etc, the Luddites began "accidentally" kicking their wooden work shoes (also known as Sabots) into the gears - providing posterity with that delightful new word

Sabotage

yhs
prof marvel

lecture begins at 3 followed by questions and coffee

[Steel Horse Bailey]

Sign me up for the next lecture series, Dear Professor.  I enjoy learning from you.  Had YOU been one of my Professors at my school of advanced fooling around, I'd have several advanced degrees by now!

While St.George and I share a commonality of some Cavalry activities, and understanding as he does how sabots work including having blown two turrets off personally, I had never heard the history of the Luddites nor their connection to the French word for shoe.

Yours ...

[minerotago]

It sure is pretty but if it dont go bang it aint no good!