A fine pair of silver mounted flintlock pistols by Griffin
Mid 18th century
Round 9 inch steel barrels marked near breech IC for maker Joseph Griffin, with London view and proof marks and Irish registration numbers; chiseled barrel tangs with shell and scrolls. Cocks chiseled with floral decorations and lockplates inscribed Griffin surrounded by engraved scrolls; waterproof pans. Silver furniture with traces of gilt finish; buttcaps each with four relief shells and a grotesque mask; triggerguards with London hallmarks, date mark for 1767 and maker's mark I K; with detailed flower engraved on triggerguard bows; assymetrical wrist escutcheons cast and chased with blossoms and foliage and engraved with a crest: Out of a ducal coronet an eagle with two heads displayed. Pierced sideplates decorated with shells, flowers, and strapwork. Figured walnut stocks with relief carving around barrel tangs, locks, and sideplates.
Condition: Very good. Barrels with grey patina with some dark spots and light pitting, markings showing wear. Locks light grey patina with some wear to engraving on lockplates. Silver with generous traces of gilt finish in protected areas. Stocks with wear to carving and some minor marks; one wrist cracked through and repaired, probably during period of use.
See Illustration
Footnotes
