John Venables is recorded in Oxford, England, alone in 1846-1863, and then 1863-1868 as Venables & Son. The pistols have "VENABLES. OXFORD." marked on top, smooth bores, light border engraving at the muzzles, post and notch sights, Birmingham proofs, scroll engraving, folding triggers, and finely checkered grips. The case has a trade label inside that reads: "J. VENABLES,/(SUCCESSOR TO THE LATE MR. W. FIELD,)/GUN MAKER,/NO. 21, SAINT ALDATE'S STREET,/OPPOSITE CHRIST CHURCH,/OXFORD." The interior has green lining and contains a cap tin, Dixon three-compartment flask, some lead balls, a ball mold, and a rod. Similar Venables pistols are known with turn-off barrels. The barrels on this pair are tight, but they could probably be removed with a proper fitting barrel wrench for breech loading.

Very good with 25% period refurbished niter blue finish, aged patina on the frame, distinct engraving and markings, some dings and edge wear, and patches of minor pitting. The grip is good and has some minor gaps at the back of the frame on the right, minor wear in the otherwise crisp checkering, and small dings on the butt. Mechanically fine. The restored case and accessories are very good and have mild age and storage related wear including some fading and light deterioration of the lining, minor dents in the flask, and a repair in the lid.

See "A."

Very good with 50% period refurbished niter blue finish, aged patina on the frame, distinct engraving and markings, some edge wear and marks on the barrel, and spot of minor oxidation/pitting. The grip is good and has some minor gaps and small chips at the back of the frame and minor wear in the otherwise crisp checkering. Mechanically fine. Overall, an attractive pairs of antique pistols fit for an English gentleman.