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Matching Pair of Ornate Chiseled English Richard Wilson Flintlock Pistols

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,800.00 USD Estimated At:4,500.00 - 7,000.00 USD
Matching Pair of Ornate Chiseled English Richard Wilson Flintlock Pistols
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Estimate: $4500 - 7000
A) Richard Wilson founded one of the largest single gunmaking firms in London until the final decades of the 18th Century and were the "Gunmakers to Empire", 1730 to 1832. These pistols are highly ornate, having deep relief floral designs on the rear half of the barrel and floral engraving on the forward portion. Relief floral designs adorn the hammer, frizzen and rear of the lock with gold present in the recessed areas. The inside of the flash pan is gold. The lock is marked "WILSON" with large stylistic "W" ahead of the hammer. The barrel tang has a feather design with gold accents. The mountings are silver and feature deep relief patriotic motifs, those being the left side plate, large thumb oval, buttcap and trigger guard. The trigger guard finial has a floral design. The full stock is decorated with silver wire inlays. Blade front sight with a heart shaped base and grooved rear sight and wooden ram rod with silver tip. The side plate screws are gold. Writer believes this pair were made for the Eastern Trade and are sometimes referred to as "Chieftan" quality.
BBL: 9 1/4 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 68
Finish: gold/bright
Grips:
Serial Number: NSN
Condition: Good. The barrel has a smooth silver gray patina. Much of the gold remains, however it is difficult to determine exactly how much gold was originally on the pistol. The trigger guard has an old repair ahead of and behind the bow, and the bow is slightly bent. The stock is also good with 20% of the silver wire inlay remaining. The stock pin holes are enlarged and there are numerous small dings and dents on the underside. The action is excellent.
- B) Described in "A"
BBL: 9 1/4 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 68
Finish: bright/gold
Grips:
Serial Number: NSN
Condition: Good. The barrel has a silver gray patina with some discoloration. The buttcap and thumb oval are a little loose. Much of the gold remains, however again it is difficult to determine the exact amount originally on the pistol. The stock is also good with 30% of the silver wire inlay remaining. The left side buttcap extension has a separation near the top and there is an epoxy repair in the same area. The rear stock pin hole is enlarged and the underside shows numerous minor dents and dings. The action is excellent.