Henry Delany of London was active c. 1715-1746. Blackmore in "Gunmakers of London, 1350-1850" notes Delaney as a maker of "fine breech loading sporting guns and silver-mounted pistols." This pair of pistols are examples of the latter and feature three-stage, swamped, smoothbore barrels signed "H. DELANY" with silver front sights, "fleur-de-lis/HD" maker's marks and unclear proof marks, gold lined vents, and foliate engraving and sighting grooves that extend onto the tangs. The rounded locks are each signed "H./DELANY" at the center and have light engraving. The furniture is silver with scroll and foliate designs, grotesque masks on the pommel caps, pierced scroll pattern side plates, and a crest of a lion head and ducal coronet. The full-length walnut stocks have raised molding and trefoil carving in coordination with the trigger guard finials.

Provenance: The Norman R. Blank Collection