Unusual all-steel breech-loading pistols stylistically made in the manner of Scottish pistols typical seen in the 17th through early 19th centuries, entirely engraved in a dramatic pattern of foliate, thistle and scroll embellishment, made by the renowned gun-maker William Wellington Greener of Birmingham (and so proofed), two-stage barrels, breech sections engraved with scroll-work and inlaid with gold “W.W. GREENER. 68, HAYMARKET, LONDON.,” extending from breech sections to muzzles in tapering fluted octagonal sections architecturally suggestive of columns (perhaps Masonic), engraved ball-triggers, non-rebounding hammers formed with crested eagle faces with trefoil finials, the left-sides of each pistol with the crest of a boars head above the motto “VI+AVT+VIRTUTE.” William Wellington Greener (1834 – 1921), noted Birmingham gun-maker. Acquired by the consignor from Butterfield & Butterfield, San Francisco, December 1995, lot 3310 Exhibition: These pistols formed part of the exhibition of the Collections of Robert M. Lee held at Sotheby’s , New York, June 2013

Fine, with traces of old yellow-toned varnish in some protected areas, expected light aged patina to bare steel overall, mechanically fine throughout.

See A.

See A. Provenance: Robert M. Lee Collection.