Lot Essay
By tradition this pistol belonged to Henry Hayes, the colourful political and commercial figure. His seat, Mount Vernon is a significant example of Irish Georgian architecture.
CIRCA 1790
Details
A FLINTLOCK DUELLING PISTOL BY JOHN RICHARDS, NO.54 STRAND LONDON
CIRCA 1790
With sighted twist octagonal barrel lightly swamped at the muzzle, signed in full on a gold interlaced ribband, with gold line and gold-lined vent, and struck with Cork East Riding registration marks, the breech tang finely engraved with rococo bouquets, bevelled lock decorated en suite and signed on a gold oval, with large flush-fitting safety-catch and roller, figured walnut full stock, engraved iron mounts en suite with the tang and the lock, the trigger-guard with urn finial, set trigger, original ramrod, and the stock inset with a gold plaque (perhaps later) inscribed 'Henry Hayes, Mount Vernon, Cork', London proof marks
14in (35.6cm)
CIRCA 1790
With sighted twist octagonal barrel lightly swamped at the muzzle, signed in full on a gold interlaced ribband, with gold line and gold-lined vent, and struck with Cork East Riding registration marks, the breech tang finely engraved with rococo bouquets, bevelled lock decorated en suite and signed on a gold oval, with large flush-fitting safety-catch and roller, figured walnut full stock, engraved iron mounts en suite with the tang and the lock, the trigger-guard with urn finial, set trigger, original ramrod, and the stock inset with a gold plaque (perhaps later) inscribed 'Henry Hayes, Mount Vernon, Cork', London proof marks
14in (35.6cm)
Special notice
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 15% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.