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LOT 1226
Documented
Pair of Silver Mounted and Flintlock Holster Pistols by Twigg with Hallmarks for 1777
-A) Twigg Flintlock Pistol - NSN, 16 bore cal., 9 7/8 inch octagon bbl., brown/casehardened/
silver/gold finish, walnut stock. “Carbine bore” holster pistols like these were widely purchased by
English officers during the American Revolutionary War, and they would have also been used by officers when they
were involved in duels. For example, another pair by Twigg with 1777 hallmarks was owned by General Charles Grey who
earned the moniker “No Flint Grey” after having his soldiers remove the flints from their muskets for a successful night
bayonet charge at the Battle of Paoli. The details of the current pair are recorded on pages 142 and 143 of “Great British
Gunmakers, 1740-1790: The History of John Twigg and the Packington Guns” by W. Keith Neal and D.H.L. Back where they
are identified as a “Pair of holster pistols with silver mounts hall-marked for 1777” from “N. Blank, U.S.A.” This pair was exhibited along with others
owned by Norman R. Blank at the NRA in 2004, and the label for the pair from the display is included. The Damascus octagonal barrels are signed “Twigg LONDON”
on top and have dovetailed silver blade front and notch rear sights, gold lined touch holes, London proof marks, and “crown/IT” maker’s marks. They appear to have
straight “hair” rifling. The flat beveled locks each have the script signature “Twigg” at the center and feature rollers on the frizzens and ramped frizzens springs. The
silver mounts are by celebrated silversmith John King and feature his “I•K” maker’s mark along with London hallmarks and the “b” dated code for 1777. The trigger guard
features an ornate floral finial with three flowers and foliage and floral engraving on the bow. The side plate is a pierced scroll design. The wrist escutcheon has shell
and floral designs. The stirrup pommel cap features shell designs and a mask stud. The same silver furniture designs as this pair are shown in figures 193, 197, 199, and
200 in neal and Back’s book. The figured walnut stock have raised relief shell carving. This pair of pistols are featured in the list
on page 99 in Bernard Dickens’ article “M.B: The Gunmaker’s Silversmith: A Question of Attribution,” The Journal of the
Arms & Armour Society, Vol. XVI, No. 2, March, 1999, pages 86-117.
CONDITION: Fine. The re-browned barrel has distinct Damascus patterns and a partially
rubbed signature. The lock has silver-gray patina and a distinct signature. The silver mounts have light aged patina and distinct designs. The refinished
stock has spliced repairs in the forend, distinct carving, thin cracks, mild scratches and dings, and attractive figure. Mechanically fine. B) Twigg Flintlock
Pistol - NSN, 16 bore cal., 9 7/8 inch octagon bbl., brown/casehardened/silver/gold finish, walnut stock. See “A.”
CONDITION: Fine. The re-browned barrel has distinct Damascus patterns. The lock has silver-gray patina. The silver mounts have light aged patina. The
markings and designs are distinct. The refinished stock has some minor cracks and flaks, distinct carving, general scratches and dings, and attractive figure.
Mechanically fine.
Provenance: The Norman R. Blank Collection.
Estimate: 5,000 - 7,500
LOT 1225
Documented Engraved Silver Mounted Griffin “Queen Anne” Screw Barrel
Flintlock Pistol - NSN, 54 cal., 5 1/2 inch round bbl., bright/silver finish, walnut
grips. This highly attractive pistol is featured on page 110 of “British
Gunmakers Messrs. Griffin & Tow and W. Bailes, 1740-1790” by
W. Keith Neal and D.H.L. Back. It is described as “A silver-
mounted breech-loading pistol by Joseph Griffin”
from c. 1770. “This is almost the last production of
the so-called ‘Queen Anne’ type of pistol.” It was
purchased by Norman R. Blank from Neal on
August 16, 1959. The smoothbore cannon
style barrel has turned girdles, a small stud on the bottom for removal
using a barrel wrench, and “1” which is also repeated on the bottom of the
breech near the London proof marks. The top of the breech is signed “GRIFFIN/
LONDON”. The tang, cock, and trigger guard feature foliate engraving. The silver mounts feature scrollwork, borders, and classical martial motifs. The wrist
escutcheon is inscribed with an ornate coat of arms.
CONDITION: Fine with silver-gray patina, crisp engraving, faint pitting, attractive aged patina on the silver, and generally minor overall wear, including light
scratches and dings on the grip. Mechanically fine.
Provenance: W. Keith Neal; The Norman R. Blank Collection.
Estimate: 2,000 - 4,000
AS PICTURED AND
DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK
BRITISH GUNMAKERS BY
NEAL & BACK
AS DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK
GREAT BRITISH GUNMAKERS
BY NEAL & BACK
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