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LOT 213
Stunning Revolutionary War
Era Pair of Silver Mounted
and Gold Inlaid Flintlock
Pistols from Bate of London
-A) Bate Flintlock Pistol - NSN, 60 cal., 8 3/8 inch part octagon bbl.,
brown/gold/silver finish, walnut stock. Edward Bate (1743-1810) was a
talented gunmaker trained in Birmingham by Samuel Brown and active
in London starting in 1763. These pistols feature silver mounts with “I-H”
silversmith marks and London hallmarks including the “Q” date code for
1771. The side plates feature a pierced martial trophy design, and the
wrist escutcheons feature additional martial motifs and are engraved
with a crest of a leopard passant regardant and torse. The pommel caps
are grotesque masks, and the remaining patterns are primarily floral. The
browned Damascus barrels are smoothbore and feature silver “spider”
base front sights, girdled transition points, gold inlaid and banded breech
sections including Spanish style sunken “crown/LON/DON” markings,
and gold lined touch holes. The locks are signed “BATE” among the
engraving and feature sliding half-cock safeties, gold lined priming pans
and frizzens, and large frizzen spring rollers. The pistols feature single
set triggers with no visible adjustment screws. The nicely figured stocks
have exceptional, well-executed
raised relief shell carving. The pair
comes in a later fitted relined case with
a rod, leather wrapped powder flask with
compartment, and a ball mold. Pairs of silver mounted pistols like these
were very popular with wealthy gentlemen, especially military officers, and
many American officers owned silver mounted pistols made in England,
including George Washington who was presented a pair in 1778 with very
similar mounts that remain on display at West Point.
CONDITION: Fine with 85% plus of the period refinished brown remaining
on the barrel, bright gold inlays, mild pitting at the breech, smooth gray
patina on the lock, strong nitre blue on the spring and roller, attractively
aged patina on the silver mounts, and distinct markings and designs
throughout. The stock is very fine and has attractive figure, distinct relief
carving, and minor scratches and dings. Mechanically functions. The case
and accessories are good with moderate age and storage related wear,
including some cracks in the case and a broken spring on the flask.
B) Bate Flintlock Pistol - NSN, 60 cal., 8 3/8 inch part octagon bbl.,
brown/gold/silver finish, walnut stock. As described in “A.”
CONDITION: Fine with period refinished brown mixed with brown patina
and mild pitting on the barrel, bright gold inlays, silver-gray patina on the
lock, bright nitre blue on the spring and wheel, attractively aged patina
on the silver mounts, and distinct markings and designs throughout. The
stock is very fine and has attractive figure, crisp relief carving, small dings
and scratches, and minor flakes at the forend tip. The safety is frozen,
but the pistol otherwise functions. Overall, a very attractive pair of silver
mounted Georgian officer’s pistols from the Revolutionary War era.
Estimate: 14,000 - 22,500