Lot Essay
According to Neal and Back (op. cit.) these pistols and a gun by the same maker came from the same family, and may have had a connection with the famous Beau Nash
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BY E. COOMBS, BATH, CIRCA 1745
Details
A Pair Of 48-Bore Flintlock Box-Lock Pocket Pistols
By E. Coombs, Bath, circa 1745
With turn-off cannon barrels numbered respectively '1' and '2', signed border engraved actions decorated with rococo ornament and flags (one top jaw and screw replaced), engraved trigger-guard safety-catches, and flat-sided figured walnut butts (minor bruising, one small chip) inlaid with scrollwork in silver wire (some loose, minor losses), London proof marks, barrel-forger's mark RE
8¼in. (20.9cm.) (2)
By E. Coombs, Bath, circa 1745
With turn-off cannon barrels numbered respectively '1' and '2', signed border engraved actions decorated with rococo ornament and flags (one top jaw and screw replaced), engraved trigger-guard safety-catches, and flat-sided figured walnut butts (minor bruising, one small chip) inlaid with scrollwork in silver wire (some loose, minor losses), London proof marks, barrel-forger's mark RE
8¼in. (20.9cm.) (2)
Literature
W. Keith Neal and D.H.L. Back, Great British Gunmakers 1740-1790, pp. 116-7, plate 443
Special notice
VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price plus buyer's premium.