Details
A PAIR OF 24-BORE BRASS-MOUNTED FLINTLOCK HOLSTER PISTOLS
BY W. SMURTHWAITE, CIRCA 1715
With slightly belled two-stage barrels signed at the breech and engraved with acanthus foliage (signatures and engraving worn), grooved engraved tangs, signed rounded locks with double line borders (one top jaw and screw replaced), moulded figured walnut full stocks (minor cracks and repairs, one fore-end partly replaced) with pronounced swelling behind the rear ramrod-pipes and raised apron around the barrel tang, cast and chased mounts, pierced foliate side-plates, foliate escutcheons, spurred pommels with grotesque mask caps and engraved with strawberry foliage, trigger-guards with pierced foliate finials and engraved en suite, baluster ramrod-pipes, and brass-capped ramrods, Birmingham private proof marks
18in. (2)
BY W. SMURTHWAITE, CIRCA 1715
With slightly belled two-stage barrels signed at the breech and engraved with acanthus foliage (signatures and engraving worn), grooved engraved tangs, signed rounded locks with double line borders (one top jaw and screw replaced), moulded figured walnut full stocks (minor cracks and repairs, one fore-end partly replaced) with pronounced swelling behind the rear ramrod-pipes and raised apron around the barrel tang, cast and chased mounts, pierced foliate side-plates, foliate escutcheons, spurred pommels with grotesque mask caps and engraved with strawberry foliage, trigger-guards with pierced foliate finials and engraved en suite, baluster ramrod-pipes, and brass-capped ramrods, Birmingham private proof marks
18in. (2)
Literature
Richard Akehurst, The World of Guns, p. 83 (illustrated)
W. Keith Neal and D.H.L. Back, Great British Gunmakers 1540-1740, pp. 379-80, plate 157
W. Keith Neal and D.H.L. Back, Great British Gunmakers 1540-1740, pp. 379-80, plate 157