A FINE PAIR OF 18 BORE FLINTLOCK HOLSTER PISTOLS OF PRESENTATION QUALITY SIGNED BLANCH, LONDON, BIRMINGHAM PROOF MARKS, CIRCA 1830
with three-stage sighted barrels engraved with trophies-of-arms, foliage, sun bursts and signed within a decorative framework over the breeches, struck with Birmingham proof marks beneath, engraved tangs retaining traces of gilding and incorporating the back-sights, signed engraved stepped locks retaining traces of gilding, fitted with pierced cocks, bolt safety-catches, rollers and semi-rainproof pans, figured walnut full stocks profusely inlaid with silver wire scrolls carrying engraved silver cornucopia, trophy-of-arms and trophy-of-hunting plaques, the tangs, locks and pommels all partially enclosed by further silver lines sown with minute pellets, gilt-copper alloy mounts cast and chased in low relief, comprising solid side-plates decorated with classical trophies, spurred pommels decorated with further trophies and cornucopia, trigger-guards en suite, trophy-of-arms escutcheons, and a pair of ramrod-pipes, engraved silver barrel bolt escutcheons, original ramrods, and the mounts retaining much original gilding
30.5 cm; 12 in barrels
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