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Attractive French & Indian War Era Pair of Silver Mounted James Barbar Flintlock Officer’s Pistols with
Hallmarks for 1755 -A) Barbar Flintlock Pistol - NSN, 18 Bore cal., 8 7/8 inch round bbl., bright/silver finish, walnut stock. American elites in the colonial era generally considered themselves English gentlemen and styled themselves after their counterparts across the pond, including seeking military commands to earn glory and public attention. Given English officers purchased their own pistols and few pistols were manufactured in the colonies in the 18th century, let alone stylish officer’s pistols, pairs of English officer’s pistols were purchased by wealthy Americans that served as officers during the French & Indian War and American Revolution. This attractive pair of mid-18th century English flintlock officer’s pistols has silver furniture with London hallmarks including the “u” date code for 1755 on the trigger guard tangs along with a “TI” silversmith mark. This places their manufacture early in the conflict which started the previous year in part due to a young George Washington, his Virginia militia, and their Native
American allies killing a French delegation in the Ohio Country. The war expanded into the Seven Years War, a global conflict between European colonial powers. The three-stage, smoothbore, brass barrels have London proof and view marks flaking “crown/IB” maker’s marks on the upper left at the breech, and “LONDON” marked on top along with some scroll engraving and sighting grooves that continue on to the upper tangs. The locks are signed “BARBAR” and have some light scroll, shell, and border engraving. The silver furniture includes mainly classical martial designs along with grotesque mask pommel studs and scroll and shell accents. The stocks have raised relief shell carving at the upper tangs. Both stocks have a filled spot on the rear of the left flats, possibly covering where the pair once had belt hooks.
CONDITION: Very good with light aged patina on the brass barrel, silver-gray patina and minor pitting on the lock, attractive age darkened patina on the silver, mostly distinct designs, and general minor overall wear. The refinished stock is also very good and has mild scratches and dings, minor wear around the lock mortise, the noted splice at the rear of the left stock flat, some other small repairs, and crisp carving. Mechanically fine.