The Madrid-locks (also known as "llave a la moda" style locks) on these pistols are signed below the priming-pans "JOSEPH DEOP". He is recorded in Ripoll circa 1730-1740, and the barrels have a pair of gold-lined punzons for Pedro Esteva of Madrid (see W. Keith Neal, "Spanish Guns and Pistols", marks 64 which are dated to circa 1750, and Heer, "Der Neue Stockel", numbers 328 and 329). The former feature floral scroll engraving with gilt backgrounds and Minerva at the centers. The two-stage smoothbore barrels are blued and feature chiseled scroll patterns with gilded backgrounds and girdles at the transition points, silver-inlaid scroll and floral patterns, gold vent liners, and burnished steel tangs with floral scroll engraving. The stocks have applied striped figure, relief carving mainly in the form of foliate patterns, molding, and silver mounts with extensive rococo scroll and martial patterns, mask pommel studs, coronets and martial trophies on the wrist escutcheons, and Barcelona hallmarks on the trigger-guard tangs. Equipped with bone or horn tipped ramrods with engraved silver end caps (one rod an expert replacement).

Fine with much of the period refurbished blue finish remaining on the barrel mixed with dark patina, bright original gold backgrounds, aged patina on the silver mounts and inlays, mostly bright lock and tang, and generally minor age and storage related wear overall. The refinished stock is also fine and has distinct applied figure, faint repaired chips at the toe, minor scattered scratches and dings, and distinct carving. Mechanically fine.

See "A." Provenance: The Norman R. Blank Collection

Fine with much of the period refurbished blue finish remaining on the barrel mixed with dark patina, bright original gold backgrounds, aged patina on the silver mounts and inlays, mostly bright lock and tang, and generally minor age and storage related wear overall. The refinished stock is also fine and has distinct applied figure, faint repairs visible in the forearm, minor scattered scratches, and distinct carving. Mechanically fine. Overall, a very attractive pair of Spanish pistols.