November 17, 2020 Early Arms & Militaria: Age of Exploration, Empire & Revolution
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/17/2020
Griffin & Tow was out of business by 1781, meaning that this pistol was certainly produced during the Revolutionary War. Silver mounted pistols of this type were used by British and American officers alike. This pistol features a slightly swamped 8" two-stage iron .62 caliber smoothbore barrel with Birmingham proofs on the left side of the breech, as well as a "BG" in a cartouche for Benjamin Griffin. The rounded lockplate is engraved with rocker panel borders and features a sliding half-cock safety at the tail of the lock. The center is engraved "GRIFFIN / & TOW". Fine chased and engraved silver mounts, including a pierced scroll and shell sideplate, a military wrist escutcheon with a helmet, sword, and cannon, inscribed with the initials "W.B.". The full stirrup pommel cap has a grotesque mask on the bottom and a hallmark for John King on the back of the trigger guard tang. The walnut stock is carved with a relief shell design around the barrel tang. CONDITION: Barrel shows heavy wear and retains a spotted brown patina, with some wear to markings at breech. Lock is in its original flintlock configuration. Cock does not hold on half-cock and sliding safety is frozen. Silver furniture retains a pleasing pewter patina. Right side of pommel cap has some denting. Trigger guard finial has been reinforced and a screw has been added at the rear tang. Stock shows some age cracks and losses around barrel pins, as well as some minor areas of wood fill. There is a small crack above the rear lock tang. DMG
Caliber/Bore
.62 Smoothbore
Manufacturer
Griffin & Tow