A RARE PAIR OF RUSSIAN FLINTLOCK PISTOLS in the French taste, with two-stage sighted barrels (one barrel with traces of original blueing, the other repaired following an explosion) octagonal at the breech and struck beneath with the Tula mark for civilian arms (Neue Støckel 8752), gold vents, grooved tangs numbered 1 and 2, flat border engraved locks signed in cyrillic and engraved with foliage and quivers (one jaw screw broken), carved figured walnut full stocks (one fore-end incomplete) inlaid with silver wire scrollwork, full parcel-gilt foliate engraved mounts (gilding worn) including solid side-plates and spurred pommels, trigger-guards engraved with a trophy of arms, one horn fore-end cap, and later horn-tipped wooden ramrods, by Ivan Polin of Tula, late 18th Century