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LOT 323
Very Attractive Cased Pair of Engraved and Silver Mounted Ketland & Co. Flintlock Double Barrel Pistols with the Crest and Motto of Clan Stirling -A) Ketland & Co. Double Barrel Flintlock Pistol - NSN, 50 cal., 8 inch solid rib bbl., brown/casehardened/silver finish, walnut stock. This pair of pistols features side by side smoothbore barrels with Tower private proof marks, silver blade front sights, “LONDON” signed on the concave ribs, and beaded engraving at the breech ends. The standing breeches feature tulip type patterns on either side of the dished rear sights and additional floral and scroll engraving. The locks are signed “Ketland/& Co.” at the center and have rollers on the frizzens, light engraving, beveled edges, and stepped tails. The furniture is silver with floral and border patterns, a stylized pineapple finial on the trigger guard, entwined letters “CS” on the pommel caps. The hallmarks date the silver to 1793 and also include “CF” silversmith marks (probably Charles Freeth). The silver oval wrist escutcheons and case lid escutcheon are inscribed with the motto “GANG FORWARD” (Go Forward) over a Moor’s head and
a torse. The case contains the pistols, a three-way combination flask
with red Moroccan leather binding, a loading/cleaning rod with rammer and jag attachments and covered worm, flints, tow, and a ball mold. The motto and crest on the pistols and case were used by branches of Clan Stirling of the Scottish lowlands. Based on the crest and the initials, one possibility for the original owner is Charles Stirling (1742-1795) of Ardoch Penn in Jamaica, son of Sir Henry Stirling, Third Knight-Baronet of Ardoch
(1688-1753). Charles was one of the executors of Archibald Sterling of Keir, and the Stirlings of Keir were among the branches that used the Moor’s head and “Gang Forward” motto. There were also several other Charles Stirlings within the extended clan, including Charles Stirling (1760-1833), a vice admiral in the Royal Navy who served in the French Revolutionary Wars, Napoleonic Wars, and War of 1812.
CONDITION: Very good plus with crisp markings and engraving, attractive aged patina on the silver furniture, a mix of fading original brown and dark patina along the barrels, mix of fading original case colors and gray and brown patina on the locks and standing breech, some small dents
in the pommel cap, and minor overall wear. The stock is fine and has distinct checkering, minor scratches and dings, and slight edge wear. Mechanically fine. The case and accessories are fine with mild age and storage related wear. B) Ketland & Co. Double Barrel Flintlock Pistol - NSN, 50 cal., 8 inch solid rib bbl., brown/casehardened/silver finish, walnut stock.
CONDITION: Very good plus with crisp engraving and distinct markings, attractive aged patina displayed on the silver furniture throughout, fading original brown mixed with dark patina along the barrels, fading original case colors and gray and brown patina on the locks and standing breech, a few dents on the pommel cap, and otherwise fairly minor overall wear. The stock is fine and has distinct checkering, several minor scratches, small dings, and slight edge wear. Mechanically fine.
Estimate: 9,500 - 16,000