An Untouched 20-Bore Flintlock Queen Anne Pistol by Griffin. With two stage turn-off cannon barrel breech engraved, ‘GRIFFIN’ and with a band of foliage at the rear, waisted tang with foliate engraving, border engraved action signed beneath the steel spring, trigger guard decorated with a flower on the bow, also sliding trigger safety that locks the pistol at half-cock, swelling figured rounded butt, case and chased silver mounts comprising trophy of arms side-plate, vacant trophy of arms escutcheon, and highly unusual butt cap with a rampant lion emerging from the ramparts of a castle decorated with scrolling foliage at its borders. 

GRIFFIN

Benjamin. Apprenticed to Samuel Harrison, 1719; gave up apprentice and worked as Fireign 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, 1763. Appointed Gentlemen Armourer to His Majestys Stables-in-Ordinary, 1760. Gunmaker to His Majesty near the Duke of Graftons, Bond Street., 1763. In partnership with father until 1770, then with John Tow, 1772-82. Died in 1784. Succeeded by John Tow. 

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

Dimensions:

Bore: 20-Bore

Barrel Length: 7 Inches (17.80 cm)

Overall Length: 12 Inches (30.5 cm)