Lot 104
104
A PAIR OF SILVER-MOUNTED FLINTLOCK DUELLING PISTOLS with rebrowned sighted barrels each signed in gold on the top flat, silver fore-sights, two gold lines at the breech, and gold-lined touch-hole, case-hardened tangs each engraved with a trophy of arms, signed and engraved case-hardened detented bevelled locks each with roller, safety-catch, and semi-rainproof pan (one cock repaired), figured walnut full stocks inlaid with a martial trophy in silver wire around each barrel tang and with silver dots, scrolls, and a caduceus, and the initials GR, silver mounts similar to the preceeding lot, chequered butts, set triggers, horn fore-end caps, and horn-tipped ramrods: in lined and fitted mahogany case, the lid with trade label for circa 1805-1817, by Durs Egg, London silver hallmarks for 1780, maker's mark IK

Details
A PAIR OF SILVER-MOUNTED FLINTLOCK DUELLING PISTOLS with rebrowned sighted barrels each signed in gold on the top flat, silver fore-sights, two gold lines at the breech, and gold-lined touch-hole, case-hardened tangs each engraved with a trophy of arms, signed and engraved case-hardened detented bevelled locks each with roller, safety-catch, and semi-rainproof pan (one cock repaired), figured walnut full stocks inlaid with a martial trophy in silver wire around each barrel tang and with silver dots, scrolls, and a caduceus, and the initials GR, silver mounts similar to the preceeding lot, chequered butts, set triggers, horn fore-end caps, and horn-tipped ramrods: in lined and fitted mahogany case, the lid with trade label for circa 1805-1817, by Durs Egg, London silver hallmarks for 1780, maker's mark IK
15½in.
Provenance
Acquired from E.R. Opperman, of Alton, Hants in about 1965
Literature
Country Life, 7 November, 1963, p.1173

Lot Essay

The initials opposite the lock suggest that these pistols were made for King George III. This hypothesis is reinforced by the similarity of the mounts to those of lot 102. The inclusion of the caduceus in the inlay may indicate a connection with the physician to the King, who in 1780 was Sir George Baker, Bt. (1722-1809)

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