These types of short barrel, large caliber flintlock pistols were popular for defense in the British Isles in the late 18th century and early 19th century. They are often called "great coat," "coat," or "traveler's" pistols since they could be carried within a coat pocket and were popular with travelers for use in case of confrontation by highwaymen or other criminals. The matching pair is marked "CALVERTS" on the lock plates and has light English style engraving on the locks and small parts. The Calvert family, headed by William Calvert, were active gunmakers in Leeds in the first half of the 19th century. The locks also have sliding halfcock safeties and frizzen spring rollers. The smoothbore barrels are brown finished Damascus with blade front sights and hooked breeches. The underside of the barrels have a pair of Birmingham proofs separated by a hallmark, two dots near the breech, and a lightly stamped "FINE." "ST" is below the "FINE" on A. The upper tangs/breeches are grooved for use as rear sights. The bag shaped stocks have some attractive figure and nicely shaped flats. They come in a hardwood case with a "JH" initialed lid plaque and green fabric lined interior fitted to the pair with two lidded compartments, a small powder flask, bore rod, "IMPROV'D/No. 23" ball mold, dagger with 4 1/8 inch blade decorated with golden scrollwork on a blue background, six lead balls, and a wrench. The mold produces undersized .58 caliber balls (.60 is commonly used in .62 caliber/20 gauge smoothbores). Though this would loosely fit the bore without the use of a thick patch, the balls could be loaded much easier and secured with wadding as was common in other smoothbores in the period. Though the loose fitting balls would not have been terribly accurate, these pistols were meant for very short ranges and the British are known for using undersized balls in their muskets and other military arms to allow for easier loading and allow for more shots between cleaning. The dagger, mold, and bore rod have matching carved handles. It is very rare to find complete sets like this, especially in this high condition.

Very fine. The barrel retains 75% plus of the lightly fading original brown finish and displays rich twist patterns. There is some slight spotting and several minor scratches. The lock has a dark gray-brown blend of patina and 60% mottled original case colors. The lower components retain 30% of the original blue finish. The stock is also very fine and has only slight dings and marks and a very small chip at the inlet edge above the cock. Mechanically excellent and has a crisp maker's mark.

See "A."

Very fine with 80% plus original brown finish and attractive twist patterns on the barrel mixed with some light spotting and edge wear. The lock has 50% dark original case colors and light spotting. The lower components retain 50% of the original blue and have minor oxidation. The stock is also very fine and has some minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent and has a crisp maker's mark. The case is fine with some separation, numerous scratches, and minor cracking. The lining is fading to yellow on the lid and some edges of the lower compartment. The accessories are fine. The dagger blade retains 30% of the finish and has mild pitting. Overall, this is a very fine set.