Beschreibung:

A rare cased pair of 28-bore flintlock turn-over pistols by John Richards London, circa 1775 With slightly belled barrels decorated with rococo ornament at the breech and engraved 'London', engraved tangs, signed and engraved bevelled back-action locks, figured walnut full stocks carved with a shell in relief at the barrel tang (fore-stocks cracked), engraved iron trigger-guards releasing the barrels, engraved brass side-plates and spurred pommels, the latter each with grotesque mask cap, cast and chased brass escutcheons, brass ramrod-pipes, and horn-tipped ramrods: in original lined and fitted oak case with bullet mould, turnscrew, and leather flask, the lid with brass handle of Chippendale type and with trade label at the No. 54 Strand address, London and Tower proof marks 15¼in. (38.7cm.)