The "wender" or swivel breech system was one of the best ways to accomplish multi-shot firearms prior to the invention of the revolver. The use of two separate pans and frizzens allowed for two shots without reloading or, in the case of a pair of pistols like these, four shots. The only identifying markings on these beautiful mid-18th century pistols are "AF" under a three-pronged crown on the top, upper left, and right flats of each barrel at the breech. These were previously identified as the marks of Amat Francesch of Spain around 1750. The original owner must have been a man of considerable means to own a pair of pistols like these, and "wender" pistols are known to have been used by some generals in the period. The release for the barrels is the "trigger" at the front of the trigger guards. The barrels have forend slabs with horn cap on each side and a ramrod fitted in silver or silver plated ferrules on one side. The barrels also have blade front sights accented by dot and scroll engraving and gold accents and scrollwork backed by gilded and punched backgrounds on the breech. Coordinating gold backed scrollwork is also found on other iron components, and the silver/silver plated ramrod holders, wrist escutcheons, side plates, and tendril pommel caps have scroll, floral, and geometric patterns.

Fine with most of the original gilt finish remaining in the relief chiseled backgrounds, most of the silver remaining and showing only minor loss on the cap, mostly light gray patina on the balance, some minor staining and spotting, and crisp markings and designs. Weak full-cock notch; otherwise mechanically fine. The refreshed wood is fine and has some minor chipping at the edges, a repaired crack at the tail of the lock, and general mild wear.

See A.

Fine with nearly all of the original gilt finish remaining, most original silver showing some slight loss on the sides of the pommel and otherwise light aged patina, silver-gray patina on most of the remaining surfaces, some slight staining and spotting, and mild overall wear. The refreshed wood is very good and has multiple repairs in the slabs, minor gaps at the edges, and handling and storage wear. Mechanically fine. This is a very attractive pair of European pistols almost certainly made for a distinguished patron, possibly a member of a royal court or high ranking officer.