Manufactured c. 1750-1770. These pistols are very similar to the silver mounted pair by James Barbar pictured and discussed on pages 170-171 of "The History of the Weapons of the American Revolution" by Neuman. The brass furniture shows signs of gilding and include scroll and shell designs, light borders, tendril pommel caps with grotesque masks, and "E/F" inscribed on the wrist escutcheons, likely the initials of the original owner, perhaps a dragoon officer in the Seven Years War (French & Indian War) and/or American Revolution. The locks are signed "BARBAR" and have light wavy line borders. The three-stage barrels have smooth bores, "BARBAR LONDON" on top, Barbar's "*/IB" maker mark between the London proofs on the left at the breech, and scroll engraving at the breech ends and on the upper tangs. The stocks have tear drop flats that meet with the pommel tendrils and shell carving at the upper tangs.

Very good with mostly bright lock and barrel exhibiting some light spotting and pitting, traces of the gilt finish in the recessed areas of the furniture, attractive aged patina on the balance, distinct markings and designs, and mild overall wear. The side plate is a professionally made replacement copied from the "B" gun. The forend is spliced, but the stock is otherwise fine and has a hairline crack at the nose of the lock, distinct carving, and general minor dings and scratches. The ramrod is stuck. The lock is mechanically fine.

See "A".

Very good with mostly bright lock and barrel which show some light pitting and spotting, traces of gold in the protected areas of the furniture and otherwise mellow aged patina, distinct markings and designs, distinct stock carving, mild edge wear, and general mild wear including some small flakes. Mechanically fine. These are attractive flintlock pistols that may have seen use in the French & Indian War or American Revolution.