Lot Essay
Robert Rowland was admitted to the freedom of the Gunmakers' Company by redemption on 7 April 1715 and died in 1721. He is noted for his breech-loading firearms
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BY ROBERT ROWLAND, LONDON, CIRCA 1720
Details
AN UNUSUAL FLINTLOCK TURN-OFF PISTOL
By Robert Rowland, London, circa 1720
With belled two-stage sighted barrel, the breech section octagonal then polygonal and retaining traces of engraved acanthus foliage, shaped tang originally fitted with folding back-sight (missing), brass-lined touch-hole, signed rounded lock engraved with foliage, moulded figured walnut half-stock (minor chips and bruises), engraved brass mounts of fine quality, pierced side-plate, spurred pommel with lion-mask cap, rounded fore-end cap, and cast and chased escutcheon surmounted by a grotesque mask (iron parts worn and surface pitted), London proof marks
18½in. (47cm.)
By Robert Rowland, London, circa 1720
With belled two-stage sighted barrel, the breech section octagonal then polygonal and retaining traces of engraved acanthus foliage, shaped tang originally fitted with folding back-sight (missing), brass-lined touch-hole, signed rounded lock engraved with foliage, moulded figured walnut half-stock (minor chips and bruises), engraved brass mounts of fine quality, pierced side-plate, spurred pommel with lion-mask cap, rounded fore-end cap, and cast and chased escutcheon surmounted by a grotesque mask (iron parts worn and surface pitted), London proof marks
18½in. (47cm.)
Provenance
Anon. sale in these Rooms, 8 July 1981, lot 157
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