A Fine Silver Mounted Flintlock Holster Pistol by Joseph Griffin. 15 ¼” overall, 9” 20 bore round barrel slightly swamped at the muzzle, engraved ‘Griffin London’ on top flat, the breech with London Proofs & ‘J.G’ barrelsmith’s mark, foliate engraved tang, flat stepped bevelled edge border engraved lock signed ‘Griffin’ in a ribbon, spoon shaped pan, & border engraved bevelled swan neck cock. Full stocked in walnut with raised shells at the tang, silver mounts cast & chased with shells, flowers & foliage in relief on the pierced side plate. Spurred pommel with star shaped cap, Rococo escutcheon engraved with owners name ’D. Irving’, engraved trigger guard with acanthus finial, ramrod pipes and iron tipped ramrod.
Hall marked for 1761, JA mark of Jeremiah Ashley.
Very Fine pistol in good condition, later ramrod.
Ex W.Keith Neal collection, sold by Christies Lot 256, 8.11.1995
Benjamin Griffin apprenticed to Samuel Harrison, 1719; gave up apprentice and worked as Foreign gunmaker allowed to prove guns by Gunmakers Co., 1724-31. Told to give up work by Gunmakers CO., but traded as gunmaker (Successor to Samuel Garrison), Bond St., 1735-70. Registered silversmiths mark, Goldsmiths Hall, 1743. With son, Joseph, took out Sun Ins. (No. 159594) on goods at Cross & Griffin, New Bond Street., 1757. Died 1770.
Joseph Son of Benjamin. Apprenticed to Samuel Blanckley, turned over to father, 1741; free of Gunmakers CO., 1750. Proof piece and mark 1759. Elected Assistant 1759, Master 1762, Appointed Gentlemen Armourer to His Majesty’s Stables-in-Ordinary 1760. Gunmaker to His Majesty, Bond Street 1763. In partnership with father until 1770, then with John Tow, 1772-82. Died in 1784. Succeeded by John Tow.