True bird's head pommels are relatively rare but are known on several pairs of French officer's pistols from the mid-17th century and on, but most are brass not silver like this pair, and most of the pistols are otherwise rather plain, especially compared to the extensive embellishment on this pair. LaFayette reportedly owned a pair of pistols with brass eagle head pommels. The smoothbore barrels have silver blade front sights with "spider" bases, gold floral patterns along the length and bright royal blue backgrounds, gold panels at the breech ends with birds flanking squirrels on top, and bright tangs with floral engraving. The locks are signed "Lejay DuClos/a St Etienne" and have floral engraving with gilded punch-dot backgrounds and nice dolphin style curls on the frizzens. The ramrod pipes, trigger guards, side plates, and distinctive eagle pommels are all silver. The trigger guards have floral designs, and the side plates have "C" scrolls as well as quivers and a piece of headgear. The pommels are highly detailed and have individual feather designs, eyes, and nostrils. The figured walnut stocks also have wire inlaid scroll and floral designs above the pommels as well as raised relief carving consisting of scroll and floral patterns.

Very fine with 90% original gold and 70% original blue finish, fairly bright lock and tang, attractive natural aged patina on the silver, distinct designs throughout, and minor oxidation. The stock is fine and has crisp carving, attractive figure, a crack through the mid-section, and minor scratches and dings. Mechanically fine.

See "A."

Fine with 90% plus original gold and 70% blue finish, mostly bright lock and tang, some minor oxidation, attractive natural aged patina on the silver, and crisp designs overall. The stock is fine and has crisp raised relief carving, some attractive figure, cracks through the mid-section and forend (latter loosely attached), and minor scratches and dings. Mechanically fine. Provenance: Dr. Gerald Klaz collection.