Lot Essay
Cf. a similar cased pair of Griffin & Tow duelling pistols sold from the W. Keith Neal Collection in these Rooms, 8 November 1995, Lot 301 (£6,325 including premium)
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BY GRIFFIN & TOW, LONDON, CIRCA 1780
Details
A Fine Cased Pair Of 29-Bore Early Flintlock Duelling Pistols
By Griffin & Tow, London, circa 1780
With browned swamped octagonal sighted barrels each signed within a rectangle on the top of the breech and engraved with a band of beadwork at the rear, case-hardened tangs finely engraved with rococo ornament, signed border engraved case-hardened detented bevelled locks retained by two side-nails and each with further rococo engraving, stepped tail, raised pan, and blued steel-spring with roller, figured walnut full stocks, plain flat-sided butts, finely engraved blued iron mounts including trigger-guards with acorn finial, shaped case-hardened side-plates with further rococo engraving, blued escutcheons and set triggers, original horn-tipped ramrods, one with worm, and much original finish: in lined and fitted oak case (minor damage to lining), with accessories including two-way flask (damaged) covered with red leather, the lid with flush-fitting carrying handle, London proof marks, barrel-forger's mark IG
15½in. (39.4cm.)
By Griffin & Tow, London, circa 1780
With browned swamped octagonal sighted barrels each signed within a rectangle on the top of the breech and engraved with a band of beadwork at the rear, case-hardened tangs finely engraved with rococo ornament, signed border engraved case-hardened detented bevelled locks retained by two side-nails and each with further rococo engraving, stepped tail, raised pan, and blued steel-spring with roller, figured walnut full stocks, plain flat-sided butts, finely engraved blued iron mounts including trigger-guards with acorn finial, shaped case-hardened side-plates with further rococo engraving, blued escutcheons and set triggers, original horn-tipped ramrods, one with worm, and much original finish: in lined and fitted oak case (minor damage to lining), with accessories including two-way flask (damaged) covered with red leather, the lid with flush-fitting carrying handle, London proof marks, barrel-forger's mark IG
15½in. (39.4cm.)
Literature
W. Keith Neal, 'Pistols for Two', pp. 159-160 (illustrated)
W. Keith Neal and D.H.L. Back, British Gunmakers Their Trade Cards, Cases and Equipment 1760-1860, plate 367
Idem, Messrs Griffin & Tow and W. Bailes, pp. 132-3, plates 62 a, b
W. Keith Neal and D.H.L. Back, British Gunmakers Their Trade Cards, Cases and Equipment 1760-1860, plate 367
Idem, Messrs Griffin & Tow and W. Bailes, pp. 132-3, plates 62 a, b
Special notice
VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price plus buyer's premium.