April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/25/2019
Most so-called "Queen Anne" pistols were made long after George I took the British throne in 1714. This pair of pistols by John Brush are authentic Queen Anne period. The significance of John Brush is that in 1716 he emigrated to Williamsburg, Virginia, and can therefore be considered one of the earliest identifiable American gunmakers. Pair of pistols with their 8 inch barrels, true cannon muzzles, signed "IB" with British proofs on breech end, tang signed in full John Brush. Swan neck hammers appear to be plain. Frizzen spring is filed. Frame with border engraving. Well formed steel trigger guards. Large and heavy silver buttcaps cast and chased in the form of a lion. Figured walnut butts in one piece with molded sideplate and raised carved at breech and behind tang. CONDITION: Pistols are basically untouched with deep even age brown, uncleaned throughout. Silver buttcaps are in good condition with excellent definition. Action on one pistol is good, other pistol difficult to cock. Barrels are frozen in place. Bores are uncleaned. Overall length 12-1/2". A pocket pistol with lock signed "I. Brush" is currently on display in Williamsburg, Virginia. This is the only known pair of flintlock pistols by this British emigre to Virginia and, as such, are of museum quality.
Caliber/Bore
.60 Smoothbore