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LOT 1261
French & Indian War Era Pair of Silver Mounted E. Coombs Flintlock Officer’s Pistols with Hallmarks
for 1756 -A) E. Coombs Flintlock Pistol - NSN, 16 bore cal., 8 7/8 inch round bbl., bright/silver finish, walnut stock. Silver mounted pistols were popular officer’s pistols in the mid-18th century both in England and in
the American colonies. Many saw use in both the French & Indian War and American Revolution. George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and other leading American officers were armed with British pistols. The wedge fastened, smoothbore barrels have silver tear drop front sights, sighting flats signed “COOMBS BATH”, scroll and shell engraving, London proof and view marks on the upper left at the breeches, gold vent liners,
and hooked breech plugs. The second pistol also has a “*/EC” maker’s mark. The standing breeches incorporate dished rear sights and also have some scroll engraving. The locks are signed “E/COOMBS/BATH.” at center and have some raised floral patterns. The inside of the lock plates is marked “WH.” The furniture is silver and features classical martial patterns, shell and scroll accents, and grotesque mask pommel studs. The trigger guard tangs have “JA” silversmith marks and London hallmarks, including the “A” date code for 1756. Iron belt hooks are fitted to the left side. The stocks have raised relief carved scroll and shell patterns around the upper tangs. CONDITION: Very good with attractive natural aged patina formed on the brass furniture, and mostly silver-gray patina on the lock and barrel along with mild pitting. The otherwise fine stock is restored with the forend spliced from the entry pipe forward, a repaired break in the wrist, crisp raised relief carving, and some scratches and dings. It will fire from half-cock but is otherwise mechanically fine.