This pair along with its case and accessories is illustrated (Plate 49) and discussed on page 113 of "British Gunmakers: Messrs Griffin & Tow and W. Bailes, 1740-1790" by W. Keith Neal and D.H.L. Back. They are estimated to have been manufactured in 1771 and feature classic Georgian silver grotesque mask caps by John King (Lion passant guardant hallmark and "I-K" maker's mark, no date mark). The 22 bore, multi-stage barrels have girdled transition points, "GRIFFIN & TOW" in an arch ahead of the removable pan assembly (the assembly is noted in the book as typical of Griffin & Tow), ramrod ferrules on the bottom, and London proof and view marks to the left of the rear ferrules. Belt hooks are fitted to the left side of each of the box lock actions which also have Rococo style scrollwork engraving and "LONDON" on the right side. They have sliding safeties that secure the cocks and frizzens. The martial themed silver thumb escutcheons are inscribed with the initials "JP" as is the escutcheon on the case lid. In a fitted mahogany case lined in green baize with accessories including a white metal powder flask, 24 bore iron bullet mold and a wood handled turnscrew, the exterior of the lid with circular brass escutcheon engraved with the same crest and initials as the pistols and with brass flush fitting carrying handle. This fine pair of pistols once formed part of the world famous W. Keith Neal Collection and the case retains a Keith Neal collection tag numbered "C57". Provenance: W. Keith Neal Collection, Christie's, London, 09 November 2000, lot 268. A handwritten note on a W. Keith Neal card is retained in the case stating that these pistols were purchased from D. Donald. For further reading on the highly unusual detachable priming pan assembly please see Jonathan Barrett, "Six Oddities of English Flintlock Construction", Art, Arms and Armour, ed. R. Held, vol. 1, pp. 393-394. The system has been observed as having been used by Twigg, Wogdon and Griffin & Tow, three of the top London gunmakers of the period.

Fine with mostly bright surfaces, minor pitting, crisp markings and engraving, natural aged patina on the silver, and general minor marks and scratches. The stock, possibly professionally replaced, is very good and has minor handling and storage type marks. Mechanically excellent.

See "A."

Fine with mostly bright surfaces, some light pitting, attractive natural aged patina on silver, distinct engraving and markings, and minor marks and scratches. The stock, possibly professionally replaced, is very good and has some minor chips at the junction with the action, a filled line, and minor scratches and dings. Mechanically excellent. The partially relined case is very good and has some loose dividers inside, an absent lock plate escutcheon, and mild overall wear, including dings and scratches throughout the exterior. The crest and initials engraved on the lid have been added at a later date.