A FINE PAIR OF FRENCH & INDIAN/AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY WAR PERIOD ENGLISH FLINTLOCK OFFICER'S PISTOLS, by "P. GANDON", ca. 1730: In overall fine+ original flintlock condition. Round, two-stage, 7 1/2", .60 caliber, pin-fastened, slightly flared, smoothbore, iron barrels with baluster-turned breeches and scroll-engraved barrel-tangs. Marked with Two (2), clear, early (pre-1745), London Gunmaker, Co. proof marks and Crown/"F" foreigner's marks: the breech-tops with "LONDON" addresses. Rounded and engraved lockplates with thread-engraved borders, rounded bridle-less powder-pans and are complete with their original rounded gooseneck hammers, frizzens with thread-engraved backs and their original trefoil finial frizzen-springs. Retains their original lock components with strong mainsprings, sharp engraving, 90%+ polish and only some light patches of discoloration and wear. Engraved under the powder-pans with clear “P. Gandon” maker’s signatures for Peter Gandon I, of London, UK, who worked 1710-1744 (Please see H. L. Blackmore’s: “Gunmakers of London”, pg. 97. Molded and finely carved, nicely finished, figured English walnut fullstocks of classic early Georgian period design. Pronounced bulbous butts with raised-carved teardrop moldings around the locks and sideplates. The barrel-tangs with finely carved, early Georgian style, beavertail aprons. Retain very fine untouched wooden surfaces with light signs of use, minor old fills/tight hairlines and some scattered handling marks: 90%+ finish with sharp contours and carvings. Finely embossed and lightly engraved, early Georgian Style, Brass mounts of early18th century form. Stirrup-type butt-caps with long hound's-tooth engraved side-terminals and rounded pommel-caps with floral engraved, oval, lozenge-type finials. Openwork ribbon-type, triangular sideplates with matching hound's-tooth engraved borders, en suite with the butt-cap stirrups. The trigger-guards with pointed forward finials and “Tudor Rose” engraved bows. Two (2) barrel-form ramrod pipes with deep baluster-turnings. Engraved, vacant, oval wrist escutcheons and complete with both of their original, brass-tip, wooden ramrods. In overall very fine original flintlock condition. The barrels with a smooth, steel-gray age-patina, sharp proof-marks and light scattered wear and expected patches of discoloration: very fine touch-holes and bores. The locks with 90%+ polish, very fine engraving and are in mechanically functional order with strong mainsprings and very fine timing. Very fine stocks with 90%+ finish, sharp contours and only some minor handling marks and signs of use. An attractive and classically styled, Pair of French & Indian/American Revolutionary War Period, English, Flintlock, Officer's Pistols, by the noted London Gunsmith "Peter Gandon I", ca. 1730. Overall length, 14". Price: $10,775.00 |