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LOT 3343
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 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 functions.
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 functions.
Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000
LOT 3344
Pair of English Griffin Boxlock Flintlock Turn-Off Pistols -A) Griffin Boxlock Pistol - Serial no. 1,
55 cal., 4 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut grips. This fine pair of silver mounted boxlock turn-off
pistols were manufactured by Joseph Griffin of London, who was active between c. 1750-1784, per
Blackmore’s “Gunmaker’s of London, 1350-1850,” 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. Both pistols are signed “GRIFFIN” on the left with “BOND STREET LONDON” on
the right in banners. The smoothbore cannon style barrels have turned girdles, a small stud on the
bottom for removal using a barrel wrench, with “1” on the “A” gun which is also repeated on the
bottom of the breech near the London proof marks, and “2” in the same locations on the “B” gun.
Border and floral engraving, with silver mounts including martial wrist escutcheons with shields
containing inscribed initials “RW”, and grotesque mask pommels.
CONDITION: Fine overall, with silver-gray patina, attractive lightly aged patina on the silver, moderate
pitting concentrated on the right below the flash pan, light scratches and dings on the grip, and crisp
engraving. Requires manual assistance for releasing the hammer, mechanically needs work.
B) Griffin Boxlock Pistol - Serial no. 2, 55 cal., 4 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut grips.
See “A” description.
CONDITION: Fine overall, with silver-gray patina, attractive lightly aged patina on the silver, some light
pitting, light scratches and dings on the grip, and crisp engraving. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 2,500 - 4,000
LOT 3342
Highly Ornate Silver Mounted, Relief Chiseled, and Gold Accented Pair of Ottoman
Flintlock Pistols -A) Ottoman Flintlock Pistol
- NSN, 65 cal., 9 3/8 inch round bbl., bright/
gold/silver finish, walnut stock. These ornate
19th century “chieftain grade” pistols feature
two-stage smoothbore barrels with raised
relief chiseled martial trophies with gilt backgrounds
and “I8[crown]Y” markings on the left at the breech. The silver furniture also features elaborate
raised relief and floral patterns as well as hallmarks. The locks have unknown markings at the
centers, gold lined pans, and floral engraving.
The stocks have extensive silver inlays in
scrolling floral patterns. “DT” is stamped
on the left side of each pistol’s wrist.
CONDITION: Fine metal with most of the
original gilt finish remaining, silver-gray patina
on most of the remaining iron surfaces, some minor oxidation, attractive aged patina on
the silver, and general mild overall wear. The stock is very good and has some pieces of inlay loose or absent, some faint cracks, glued repairs, and
general mild overall wear. Mechanically functions. B) Ottoman Holster Pistol - NSN, 65 cal., 9 3/8 inch round bbl.,
bright/gold/silver finish, walnut stock. See “A.”
CONDITION: Fine metal with strong original gilt finish on the barrel, aged patina on the silver, gray patina on the balance, some minor pitting,
and general mild wear. The stock is very good and has some pieces of inlay absent, a sliver absent at the muzzle on the right, and minor wear.
Mechanically functions.
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
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