This very attractive pair of British officer's pistols by Richard Wilson have London hallmarks including the "u" dated code for 1755 on the trigger guard tangs, and a "JA" silversmith's mark (Jeconiah Ashley) is on the second pistol. The hallmarks date the pistols to the French & Indian War in North America and the broader Seven Years' War. Many of the leaders of the Continental Army during the American Revolution gained experience during the French & Indian War and owned similar pairs of English officer's pistols. The smoothbore brass barrels have "Wilson London" signed on top and London proof marks flanking Wilson's "*/RW" maker's mark on the left at the breech. The rounded locks have guttered priming pans, sliding half-cock safeties, and are signed "Wilson" at the centers. The furniture is all silver and features martial, floral, scroll, and mask patterns, the latter possibly representing Bacchus. The sideplate designs include the lion and unicorn from the coat of arms of the U.K. The baleen ramrods also have silver tips. The stocks have raised relief carved shell patterns.

Fine with attractively aged patina on the silver mounts and brass barrel, silver-gray patina and minor pitting on the lock, generally crisp designs and markings, and mild wear. The stock is very good and has some cracks, small chips, and mild wear. Mechanically fine.

See "A". Provenance: The Herbert Sutcliffe Collection; Peter Dale Ltd.; Property of a Gentleman

Fine with attractively aged patina on the brass and silver, silver-gray patina on the lock along with minor pitting, and generally mild overall wear. The stock is very good with some small chips, cracks between the entry pipe and trigger guard finial and the finial and pommel, and mild wear. Mechanically fine.