Details
A CASED PAIR OF SILVER-MOUNTED AND SILVER-LOCKED 15-BORE FLINTLOCK HOLSTER PISTOLS
BY PIERRE GANDON (SENIOR), LONDON, CIRCA 1725
With two-stage barrels each with silver fore-sight, the breeches engraved 'London' within a spray of foliage and engraved with a band of beadwork, engraved tangs, rounded locks each signed within a cartouche and engraved with a griffin on the tail (one cock repaired), lightly carved figured walnut full stocks, full silver mounts cast and chased with foliage, comprising pierced side-plates, trigger-guards engraved with a grotesque parrot, spurred pommels each with grotesque mask cap, escutcheons with grotesque mask above and below, and scalloped ramrod-pipes, and wooden ramrods (one replaced): in relined and refitted leather-covered case decorated with brass studs, with bullet mould and a three-way flask covered in red leather, the lid with initials 'RM', and carrying handle of Chippendale form, London proof marks, barrelsmith's mark PG, the case circa 1760-70
16¼in.
Literature
W. Keith Neal and D.H.L. Back, Great British Gunmakers 1540-1740, p. 439, plate 196
J.F. Hayward, 'The Huguenot Gunmakers of London', J.A.A.S., vol. VI (1968-70), p. 124, plate XXV
