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A pair of silver-mounted screw-barrel flintlock coat-sized pistols by T. Richards in later period or

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:NA Estimated At:4,000.00 - 8,000.00 USD
A pair of silver-mounted screw-barrel flintlock coat-sized pistols by T. Richards in later period or
All items are as is, no warranty or claims and All SALES ARE FINAL. Please examine prior to bidding as it is the bidder's responsibilty to establish condition, age, genuineness, value or any other determinative factors.
A pair of silver-mounted screw-barrel flintlock coat-sized pistols by T. Richards in later period original case with family inscription as to their provenance and ownership. Pictured and described on page 533 of the William Locke collection book. The owner’s plaque inlayed at top of lid is period hand engraved “J. G. Bridge / These Pistols / were bequeathed to me / by my Excellent Uncle / John Bridge Esq / They formerly belonged / to my Grandfather / Thomas Bridge / 1854”. Physical Description: The pistols measure approximately 9-1/2” overall with 3-7/8” barrels of approximately .60 caliber. The pair show canon muzzles and barrels made in stages. The pistols are stocked in good quality walnut with silver wire inlays and scrolls around each side and top of grips and outline of arms beneath tang. The butts are mounted in grotesque silver mask. The frames, hammers, and mounts, are typically engraved with scrolls and stands of arms. The metal condition is very good plus with just slight discoloration and aging, minor erosion, and a small amount of pin-prick pitting. Each pistol is signed “T. Richards” on the right side, and show English proofs with “T. R.” cartouche. The stocks are very good plus to near fine with 95 to 98% of their original silver wire inlay. We would date the pistols about 1740 to 1770. The pair are contained within an original mid 19th century case which corresponds with the lid inscription. The pair are cased in the English style and lined with green felt. A correct size scissor mold, barrel key for these pistols, and a mid-nineteenth silvered flask is also included which is missing its spring. The case remains in very good plus condition with just minor aging, slight fraying, fading, etc. The exterior of the case is typical dark oak with some slight staining, minor marks, opening to the grain, but is in at least in very good condition and retains its original key plate. A very nice set of flintlocks with some researchable history and from one of the most well known American collectors. Est.: $4,000 - $8,000