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LOT 375 Unusual Pair of Silver Inlaid Flintlock Pistols by Collis of Oxford -A) Collis Pistol - NSN, 62 cal., 6 5/8 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut grips. These large flintlock pistols are both signed “COLLIS” on the left and “OXFORD” on the right in banners. John Collis is listed as an active gunmaker between circa 1782-1798. Both pistols feature light engraving, sliding safeties, extensive silver wire inlays in the walnut grips with oval silver escutcheons bearing inscribed fancy script initials “WC,” and 1800 hallmark dated silver mask pommel caps. CONDITION: Very good with some slight fading to some of the engraving and markings, scattered light pitting on the iron, and lightly aged patina on the silver. The grip is fine with a few of the wire inlays sticking up and some light handling marks. Mechanically fine. B) Collis Pistol - NSN, 62 cal., 6 5/8 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut grips. Reference “A” description. CONDITION: Very good with some slight fading to some of the engraving and markings, scattered light pitting on the iron, and lightly aged patina on the silver. The grip is fine with a few of the wire inlays sticking up and some light handling marks. Mechanically fine. Estimate: 4,500 - 7,000
AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK BRITISH GUNMAKERS BY NEAL & BACK
Documented Engraved Pair of Griffin & Tow Double Barrel Boxlock Flintlock Pistols with Silver Mounts -A) Griffin & Tow Double Barrel Pistol - NSN, 47 cal., 6 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut grips. The Griffin family were highly regarded 18th century London gunmakers and became
gunmakers to the Royal Family. They are also believed to have been the first 18th century makers of double barreled firearms. Following the death of Benjamin Griffin in 1770, Joseph Griffin took John Tow who had worked with the Griffins for some years into partnership in 1771 placing this present pair of pistols amongst the first made under the name Griffin & Tow. The present pair are described and illustrated on pages 116 and “British Gunmakers Messrs. Griffin & Tow and W. Bailes, 1740-1790” by W. Keith Neal and D.H.L. Back who date them to circa 1771. The pistols feature slightly swamped round barrels each engraved with a band of beadwork at the muzzle. Figured walnut bag-shaped butts each with silver wrist escutcheons and pommel caps with relief cast and chased martial and scroll ornamentation, floral and scroll Rococo engraving to the breech ends of the barrels and the boxlock actions, the latter signed “GRIFFIN & TOW” on the left side and “LONDON” on the right, London proof marks. Interesting crescent shaped sliding safeties locking both cocks, and dark wooden ramrods with horn tips. CONDITION: Fine with attractive aged patina on the silver mounts, mostly silver gray patina on the iron, some light oxidation and pitting, bushed vents, crisp markings and engraving, and generally mild overall wear. The stock is also fine and has some minor dings and scratches and slight edge wear. Mechanically fine. B) Griffin & Tow Double Barrel Pistol - NSN, 47 cal., 6 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut grips. See “A.” CONDITION: Fine with attractive aged patina on the silver mounts, mostly silver gray patina on the iron, some mild oxidation and light pitting, bushed vents, crisp markings and engraving, and generally mild overall wear. The stock is also fine and has some minor dings and scratches and slight edge wear. Mechanically fine. Provenance: The W. Keith Neal Collection; The Norman R. Blank Collection.
LOT 376
Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000 285