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LOT 3296
Desirable Cased Pair of Silver Mounted Irish Flintlock Dueling Pistols by Tomlinson of Dublin with Inscribed
Case -A) Tomlinson Flintlock Dueling Pistol - NSN, 58 cal., 9 1/4 inch octagon bbl., brown/ casehardened/blue/silver finish, walnut stock. Robert Tomlinson was active in Dublin from c. 1783 and into the early 19th century. The half-stock pistols have octagon .58 caliber (28 bore), smoothbore, Damascus barrels with blade front sight, under ribs with single steel ramrod pipes,
a single gold band on each of the patent breeches along with “Tomlinson/*/DUBLIN” sign on the gold oval inlays. The standing breeches have fixed notch rear sights. The flat flush fitted lock plates have sliding bar safeties, gold lined flash pans, rollers
on the frizzen springs, and
“TOMLINSON” signed on the gold
oval inlays. There is some classical
floral and British shield engraving.
The pistols have set triggers. The
engraved iron trigger guards
have pineapple shaped finials
and prominent finger spurs.
The wedge fastened half-stocks
have silver forend caps, wedge
escutcheons, oval thumb pieces,
and pommel caps. The wrists
are checkered. The mahogany
case has a beveled lid and sides.
The top of the lid is inlaid with a
brass escutcheon inscribed “R.S.
GREENHILL”. The case interior
has seven compartments and
is lined with green baize. The case contains an ebony loading/cleaning with brass tip, three-
compartment powder flask, a single cavity iron bullet mold, and a key. An R.S. Greenhill was a
sportsman and Irish Rifle Association member in the 1870s to 1890s. He appears to have lived
at 56 High Street and/or 36 Lansdown Road in Dublin. He is recorded in Irish rifle matches in
the 1870s as a member of the Dublin Shooting Club, including in the in July 1875 match for
the Ulster Cup.
CONDITION: Very good plus. The barrel displays gray and brown patina, light pitting, and distinct
Damascus patterns. The lock plate, standing breech, and trigger guard have mostly dark-gray
patina. The silver has attractive aged patina. The gold remains bright, and the inscriptions and
engraving are crisp. The stock is also very good and has crisp checkering and minor handling
and storage marks. The ramrod is stuck. The set trigger needs some adjustment to hold, but
the lock is mechanically excellent. The case is very good with mild storage wear. The loading/
cleaning rod, powder flask and bullet mold are fair. B) Tomlinson Flintlock Dueling Pistol -
NSN, 58 cal., 9 1/4 inch octagon bbl., brown/casehardened/blue/silver finish, walnut stock. As
described in “A.”
CONDITION: Very good. The barrel has mottled gray and brown patina, distinct Damascus
patterns, light pitting, and mild wear. The vent, pan, and cock have been reworked. The lock and iron
furniture have mostly gray patina. The silver has attractive aged patina. Most of the engraving and markings
remain distinct. The ramrod is broken. The stock is also very good aside from a pinned crack on the left side of the forend tip and
has crisp checkering and minor handling and storage wear. Mechanically excellent. Overall, this is an attractive pair of classic Irish half-stock dueling pistols. Estimate: 12,000 - 16,000
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