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LOT 3290
Cased Pair of Silver Mounted, Brass Barreled Bennett Flintlock Pistols with Hallmarks for 1791 -A) Bennett Flintlock Pistol - NSN, 18 Bore cal., 8 1/8 inch part octagon bbl., bright/ silver finish, relief carved walnut stock. This
pair of pistols features stunning silver
furniture with floral engraving patterns,
pierced designs on the side plates and wrist
escutcheons, “L” inscribed on the pommel
caps, and acorn trigger guard finials. Even
the ramrod tips are silver. The trigger guard
tangs have London silver hallmarks, including the
“q” date code for 1791 and “M.B” maker’s marks for
Moses Brent. The flat, beveled locks are signed “BENNETT” in
ovals at the centers and have large frizzen spring rollers, floral
engraving, sliding half-cock safeties, and stepped tails. The
two-stage, brass barrels are smoothbore and have decorative
rings and beading at the transition points, “Bennett Royal
Exchange London” signed on the top flats, beaded borders at
the breech ends, and London proof and view marks flanking
John Bennett’s “I-B” maker’s mark on the upper left flat the
breech. The iron standing breeches also have beaded borders
at the fronts and floral engraving. The stocks have attractive
raised relief carving around the upper tangs. The pair comes in
a custom case with a reproduction Bennett trade label, 22 bore ball mold, tow, screwdriver, cleaning rod, and a few lead balls. The case lid has an ornate “P” inlay design.
CONDITION: Fine with light aged patina on the brass and silver, mostly silver gray on the lock, crisp engraving, and mild marks and scratches. The stock is also fine and has minor scratches and dings, a small repaired chip at the bottom of the lock mortise, and crisp relief carving. Mechanically excellent. The case and accessories are fine with mild storage wear on the case and dark brown patina and mild oxidation on the mold.
B) Bennett Flintlock Pistol - NSN, 18 Bore cal., 8 1/8 inch part octagon bbl., bright/silver finish, relief carved walnut stock. See “A.”
CONDITION: Fine with light aged patina on the brass and silver, mostly silver gray on the lock, crisp engraving, and mild marks and scratches. The stock is also fine and has minor scratches and dings, some minor flakes and hairline cracks at the edges of the lock mortise, and crisp relief carving. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 6,500 - 9,000
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LOT 3291
Cased Pair of Edwards of Dublin Flintlock Dueling Pistols
-A) Edwards Dueling Pistol - NSN, 65 cal., 8 inch octagon bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. These pistols are the classic style of dueling pistols popular in the British Empire in the late 18th century. William Edwards of Dublin apprenticed under Matthew Collins and was an employee of Twigg in London before operating his own shop in Dublin from 1776 to 1798. The barrels have fixed post and notch sights, “DUBLIN” in script accented by curved lines, two “crown/P” proofs on the left at the breech, and floral and bead engraving at the breech and tang. The locks are signed “EDWARDS” and accented by curved lines and floral engraving. The furniture is mostly brass and includes a floral engraved trigger guard with acorn finial and pierced floral pattern side plate. Later added silver stars and ovals are
on the pommels of the smooth stocks. They come in an English fitted hardwood case with a William & John Rigby trade label, small powder flask, oiler, ball mold, ramrod, lead ball, flints, patches, and key.
CONDITION: Very good with mottled gray patina and minor pitting on the lock and barrel, aged patinas on the brass and silver, distinct markings and engraving, a few minor cracks in the refinished stock, and general mild marks and scratches. Mechanically fine. B) Edwards Dueling Pistol - NSN, 65 cal., 8 inch octagon bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. See “A”.
CONDITION: Very good with gray patina and light pitting on the barrel and lock, aged patinas on the brass and silver, distinct markings and engraving, a thin crack in the forend of the refinished stock, and general mild scratches and nicks. Mechanically fine. The reworked case is very good and has replacement compartment lids, a reproduction label, and mild overall wear. The accessories are fine and have mild storage wear.
Estimate: 4,500 - 6,000