Lot Essay
For similar pistols see Eric Griffin, Griffin of Bond Street, pp. 164-5, plate 18, and W. Keith Neal and D.H.L. Back, Messers Griffin & Tow and W. Bailes, pp. 111-112, plates 48a, b
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BY JOSEPH GRIFFIN, LONDON, CIRCA 1765
Details
AN UNUSUAL PAIR OF 50-BORE SILVER-MOUNTED D.B. FLINTLOCK BOX-LOCK PISTOLS
By Joseph Griffin, London, circa 1765
With three-stage turn-off cannon barrels (some wear) numbered respectively from '1' to '4' and engraved with rococo shells and foliage on the breeches, signed brass actions finely engraved with further rococo ornament (both cocks incomplete on one pistol, one top jaw and screw missing on the other, one steel chipped), border engraved crescent-shaped safety-catches (one chipped and partly replaced), swelling figured walnut butts, engraved trigger-guards, engraved, cast and chased silver pommels each with grotesque mask cap, and cast and chased trophy of arms escutcheons (some scattered surface pitting, surface rust, and discolouration), London proof marks
11¼in. (28.6cm.) (2)
By Joseph Griffin, London, circa 1765
With three-stage turn-off cannon barrels (some wear) numbered respectively from '1' to '4' and engraved with rococo shells and foliage on the breeches, signed brass actions finely engraved with further rococo ornament (both cocks incomplete on one pistol, one top jaw and screw missing on the other, one steel chipped), border engraved crescent-shaped safety-catches (one chipped and partly replaced), swelling figured walnut butts, engraved trigger-guards, engraved, cast and chased silver pommels each with grotesque mask cap, and cast and chased trophy of arms escutcheons (some scattered surface pitting, surface rust, and discolouration), London proof marks
11¼in. (28.6cm.) (2)
Provenance
Anon. sale, Christie's south Kensington, 20 September 1989, lot 182 (£4,840 including premium)
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
This lot is subject to Collection and Storage charges