Huvlus

In answer to your most interesting but utterly baseless concerns I offer the following facts rather than mistaken observations and opinions seemingly to arise from dare I say a degree of envy?

The case is missing the powder flask and the bullet mould. Interestingly enough the cleaning rod and original key are present. Staining on a trade label is quite common both from oil adhering to the locks as well as humidity which can cause the nitric acid used in manufacture of paper in the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries to yellow and discolor the linen or rag fibers over time.

Unlike so-called "French" casings which grip the pistols and their accessories securely, partition type or "English" style casings allow pistols to rub against and indeed often detach the partitions when the case is carried in any other than a flat position. Even mild jostling can result in tearing of lining or broken dividers.

The pistols themselves, which are the main point of discussion, remain in remarkable, pristine condition throughout with all finishes including blueing, browning, casehardening, and varnish original and nearly as intact as when they left Henry Tathum's premises at 37 Charing Cross 175 years ago. A delight to the eye these beautiful examples of the apogee of the percussion gunmaker's art are certain to please the most discriminating collector of English pistols or aficionado of fine antique firearms in general.