A Very Fine Cased Pair of Silver Mounted Flintlock Queen Anne Pistols by Griffin and Tow of London.
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12” overall, 5½” round two-stage 22 bore cannon barrels with ring turned muzzle, breech signed ‘Griffin & Tow’ above a trophy of arms, and below with ‘London’. Stamped with London proofs, foliate engraved barrel tangs, border engraved side actions and cocks, large exterior frizzen springs fitted with roller and link to toe of the frizzen. figured swelling walnut butts, silver butt caps with a winged figure of Victory blowing a trumpet, I.H Hall mark of John King, Lion mark but no date letter, silver trophy of arms side plates, trophy of arms escutcheons with crests. In their original green baize lined oak caddy top case, with Chippendale handle, Circa 1775
Very rare and fine pistols in very good condition, original blue finish to actions.
These are the first time I have ever seen a pair of Queen Ann style pistols in their original case, the frizzen link and roller is also very uncommon.
See Griffin & Tow and W.Bailes by W,Keith Neil and D.H.L.Back plate 62b for a similar duelling pistol case, 54c for the butt cap
Joseph Griffin was turned over to his father in 1741 and was free of the Gunmakers' Company in 1750. He was appointed Gentleman Armourer to His Majesty's Stables-in-Ordinary in 1760 and was elected Master of the Gunmakers' Company in 1761 and 1763. In partnership with his father until 1770 and with John Tow 1771-82, he died in 1784