Lot 374: Pair of Silver Mounted J. Renkin Flintlock Pistols

These early 19th century pistols are signed "Renkin" in gold on the top of the barrels and "J Renkin" on the locks, each in ornate script. The swamped, "microgroove" rifled barrels also have "B.DOMBRET" barrel maker's marks and "JJB" and "E" on the left under the stock line and are inlaid with gold bands at the muzzles and breech ends, gold inlaid designs ahead of the bands at the breech ends, and gold vent liners. The rainproof flash pans are lined in gold, and the locks are engraved with wyverns on the cocks, a squirrel on the tail of the first lock and a dog on the tail of the second lock, tension adjustment screws and rollers on the frizzen springs, and floral engraving on the outer faces of the frizzens. The upper tangs have pastoral scenes and three-leaf rear sights. The pistols have adjustable single set triggers, and the furniture is silver and is hallmarked on the trigger guard tangs. The overall design of the pistols is similar to pistols known to have been manufactured for Napoleon's officers. The pommel caps feature a mask of Neptune and is a similar design found on some Napoleonic presentation general officer pistols, including the incredible Boutet/Versailles pistols of reward presented to Contre-Amiral Cesar-Joseph Bourayne sold by RIAC in June 2020. This mask has also been attributed as Mars or Jupiter in the past. Additional designs include martial arms and trophies on the trigger guards, lions and ram heads on the side plates, and another Greco-Roman mask design on the ramrod entry pipes (possibly Mercury). The stocks have carved borders and diamond and silver pin checkering on the wrists. The relined case contains a mallet, adjustable powder measure, powder flask, ball mold, screwdriver, loading/cleaning rod, and an oiler, and the case lid escutcheon is inscribed with a ducal coronet and "R R."

Fine with virtually all of the refinished brown finish remaining on the barrel along with attractive Damascus twist patterns, silver-gray patina on the lock, and aged patina on the silver furniture. The refinished stock is also fine and has crisp checkering, some small dings and dents, a small repair at the nose of the lock, faint crack on the left at the breech, and minor overall wear. Mechanically fine. The refinished exterior of the case is very good and has some minor cracks and repairs, and the accessories are fine or better with generally minimal age and storage related wear.

See "A."

Fine with nearly all of the refinished brown finish remaining on the the barrel with attractive Damascus patterns showing through and bright gold accents, silver-gray patina on the lock, and attractive aged patina on the silver furniture. The refinished stock is also fine and has crisp checkering, generally minor dings and scratches, and some edge wear. Mechanically fine.