This pair of Queen Anne style pistols was manufactured around the mid-1700's by Richard Wilson (1703-1766) of London, who became a Master Gunmaker in 1741. Wilson was a Contractor to Ordnance as well as to the East India, Hudson's Bay, and Royal African companies. This pair of pistols have flourishes of light floral scroll and border engraving throughout and are marked "Wilson" on the lower right along with two proofs and Wilson's "star/RW" mark. They are marked "LONDON" on top of the breeches and fitted with screw off cannon barrels with multiple wedding bands and wrench lugs on the lower right. The grips are each mounted with silver in the form of a panoply of arms on the left, grotesque masks on the pommels, and ornate escutcheons on top that are engraved with horse heads over a crescent over "R-B".

Good, showing mostly a once cleaned bright artificial grey patina with traces of the original blue finish in sheltered areas, attractive antique patina on the silver, and some of the engraving slightly softened. The refinished wood is also good with a couple minor chips near the pommel, some scattered minor dings and scratches, and some slightly softened edges. Mechanically excellent.

See "A".

Good, showing mostly a bright once cleaned artificial grey patina, attractive antique patina on the silver, and mostly well-defined markings/engraving. The refinished wood is also good showing a faint sizable repair on the right, some slightly softened edges, and otherwise scattered light handling marks. Mechanically excellent.