September 10-12, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/11/2024
This fine pair of large mid-18th century screw barrel pistols are unusual and scarce with their brass barrel and actions. They are pictured in Norman Dixon's book "Georgian Pistols", where they are pictured and discussed on pages 134-136. The three-stage barrels feature cannon muzzles and lugs for removal on bottoms. One barrel numbered 1 on bottom and corresponding 1 marked on bottom of breech. Bottoms of brass actions marked beneath frizzen springs with London private view and proof marks in addition to "* / RW" for maker Richard Wilson. Also engraved with "WILSON" on block letters on undersides of both. Pans are also brass. Steel cocks, frizzens, and frizzen springs. Iron trigger guard bows are engraved with a flower on each. The walnut grips are carved with shells in relief around the barrel tangs. The silver furniture includes ornate pommel caps with relief chased lions and castles. Sideplates feature large panoplies of arms and wrist escutcheons have cannon, Roman helmet, and flag motifs. CONDITION: Brass retains a mellowing patina with scattered marks from use and some wear, one barrel shows a minor dent on right side, towards muzzle. Barrels no longer screw off. Steel retains a grey patina with scattered light pitting. Both are in their original flintlock configurations and function properly. Markings excellent. Grips shows some wear and scattered marks from use, carving shows some smoothing. Mounts retain pleasing soft shine. Two holes drilled within sideplates on both pistols, probably for belt hooks added during their original use. A very attractive pair of brass-barreled silver-mounted Queen Anne style pistols.
Barrel Length
(BOTH) 6 - 1/4"
Caliber/Bore
(BOTH) .58 Smoothbore
Manufacturer
(BOTH) Wilson