MATCHING PAIR OF ORNATE ENGLISH FLINTLOCK PISTOLS BY RICHARD WILSON Fine matching pair of ornate chiseled flintlock pistols by noted gunmakers Richard Wilson of London England. Richard Wilson founded one of the largest single gunmaking firms in London and they were considered the ""Gunmakers to the Empire"" 1730 to 1832. These pistols are highly ornate having deep relief floral designs on the rear half of the barrel and floral engraving on the forward portion. Relief floral designs adorn the hammer frizzen and rear of the lock with gold present in the recessed areas. The inside of the flash pan is likewise gold. The lock is marked ""WILSON"" with large stylistic ""W"" ahead of the hammer. The barrel tang has a feather design with gold accents. The mountings are silver and feature deep relief military motifs including cannon axes armor etc. The trigger guard finial has a floral design. The full stock is decorated with silver wire inlays and a scallop design carved in relief. Blade front sight with a heart shaped base and grooved rear sight with a wooden ram rod with silver tip. The side plate screws are gold. 9 1/4"" round barrel fitted to a walnut stock the barrel bearing a smooth silver-gray patina. Much of the gold finish remains. One trigger guard has an old repair ahead of and behind the bow and the bow is slightly bent. The stocks are also good with 20-30% percent of the silver wire inlay remaining. The stock pin holes are slightly enlarged with some small dings and dents on the underside. Both actions are excellent. The pistols are set into a burled wood red satin fitted case with two corner compartments with lids with powder horn bullet mold wood support rod and metal vial. A fine presentation of two quality pistols.