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LOT 207
Pair of Griffin Georgian Officer’s Flintlock Pistols with Silver
Plated Mounts -A) Griffin Flintlock Pistol - NSN, 65 cal., 10 inch round
bbl., bright/silver finish, walnut stock. Per Blackmore’s “Gunmaker’s of London, 1350-1850,” Joseph Griffin was active from c. 1750-1784 and was
“Gentlemen Armourer to His Majesty’s Stables-in-Ordinary” from 1760 and “Gunmaker to His Majesty near the Duke of Grafton’s, Bond St.” starting in 1763. The smoothbore
barrels have blade front sights and have “GRIFFIN LONDON” on top with an engraved border and London proofs flaking “IG” maker’s marks on the left. The barrel tangs are
engraved, and the “GRIFFIN” marked rounded locks have light border engraving. The ramrod pipes, side plates, trigger guards, escutcheons, and pommel caps are all silver plated and have various
cast designs, including masks on the sides of the pommels, foliate designs, and martial trophies. No hallmarks are visible. The stocks have tear drop flats and shell carving around the barrel tangs.
The ramrods have dark horn tips.
CONDITION: Very good with attractively aged patina and distinct designs on the silver plated cast mounts, mottled gray and brown patina and moderate pitting on the lock and barrel, partially restored barrel with
relined vent, replacement frizzen screw, and general mild overall wear. The refinished stock is very good with distinct carving and repairs mainly in the forend. Mechanically functions. B) Griffin Flintlock Pistol -
NSN, 65 cal., 10 inch round bbl., bright/silver finish, walnut stock. As described in “A.”
CONDITION: Very good with attractive aged patina on the silver plated cast mounts along with distinct designs, gray and brown patina and moderate pitting on the lock and barrel, partially restored barrel with relined vent, and
mild wear. The refinished stock is good and has distinct designs and some cracks and repairs. Mechanically functions.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
LOT 206
Fine British India Pattern Third Model Brown Bess Flintlock
Musket - NSN, 75 cal., 39 3/8 inch round bbl., brown finish, walnut
stock. This fine example of a British military India Pattern Brown Bess
musket has what appears to be an “1800” dated storekeeper stamp on
the right side of the butt. The India Pattern muskets were the standard
issued muskets of the British military in the early 19th century during
the Napoleonic Wars. Standard Georgian royal cipher and “TOWER”
markings on the lock, crown proofs at the
upper left of the breech and on the barrel
tang, “DAWSON” stamped on the left stock
flat, and a pair of crown stamps behind the tail of the trigger guard. Large
carved “H” ahead of a broad arrow and another carved “H” on the left of the buttstock.
CONDITION: Fine and well above average as a British military issued Brown Bess, retains half of the
faded brown finish on the barrel, bright silvery-gray and brown patina on the lock and components,
some patches of minor pitting, with sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. Stock is also
fine, with fine figure, scratches and dents, a small crack behind the barrel tang, a few chips, and
outstanding defined edges and stamps (very difficult to find in one of these!). Mechanically excellent. Overall,
an attractive Third Model Brown Bess that would be difficult to improve upon!
Provenance: The Andrew Singer Collection.
Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500