An Early Pair of Long Holster Pistols, Circa 1760. With early octagonal to round sighted barrels, decorated with scrolling strawberry leaves at the muzzles, stamped with London proofs and John Finchs barrel smith mark, tangs decorated en suite, stamped with Irish registration marks, ME - 65 & ME - 64. Signed rounded locks, engraved with scrolling foliage and chiselled with foliate motifs, cock and frizen chiselled and engraved en suite, full-stocked in walnut, stamped with corresponding Irish registration marks, engraved steel long eared butt caps, with brass grotesque masks, cast and chased gilded trigger guards, decorated with a mask on the bows and foliate finials, pierced scrolling side plates depicting figures and monsters, turned steel ramrod pipes, with brass tipped ramrods. A fine early pair of pistols.

FINCH
John (2) Former apprentice to John Wallis, free of Gunmakers Co., 1661. Elected Assistant, 1679; Master 1687. Gunmaker, Shoe Lane, contractor to Ordnance, 1663-93; Hudson Bay Co., 1684-91. Died 1693. Widow, Anne, continued business.

Howard L. Blackmore (1986) Gunmakers Of London 1350-1850, George Shumway Publishing, York, Pennsylvania, USA.

NIVOCHE
Montpellier, Herault’F, ca 1750.

Der Neue Stockel.

Dimensions:
Bore: 22 Bore
Barrel Length: 12 Inches (30.5 cm)
Overall Length: 19 Inches (48.25 cm)