Lot Essay
John Bass, John Twigg's partner from 1788 to 1790, was in business on his own for only five years - firearms with his signature are therefore scarce
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BY JOHN BASS, LONDON, CIRCA 1791-94
Details
A Pair Of 25-Bore Flintlock Pistols
By John Bass, London, circa 1791-94
With rebrowned swamped barrels marked 'London', engraved tangs, signed border engraved flat bevelled locks each with roller and stepped tail (one cock repaired, the other associated), figured walnut full stocks (fore-ends with minor defects), swelling flat-sided butts, brass mounts including engraved trigger-guards with acorn finial, border engraved brass escutcheons, and wooden ramrods (not a pair), each with worm, Tower private proof marks
14in. (35.6cm.) (2)
By John Bass, London, circa 1791-94
With rebrowned swamped barrels marked 'London', engraved tangs, signed border engraved flat bevelled locks each with roller and stepped tail (one cock repaired, the other associated), figured walnut full stocks (fore-ends with minor defects), swelling flat-sided butts, brass mounts including engraved trigger-guards with acorn finial, border engraved brass escutcheons, and wooden ramrods (not a pair), each with worm, Tower private proof marks
14in. (35.6cm.) (2)
Literature
W. Keith Neal & D.H.L. Back, Great British Gunmakers 1740-1790, pp. 157-8
Special notice
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.