William Andrew Beckwith was active c. 1801-1841, and his wife and son kept the shop open until 1868. These pistols were likely manufactured in the early 19th century and were then professionally converted in the 1830s or 1840s. The breech plugs are signed "Baker/London" and have platinum plugs in the nicely shaped bolsters. The smoothbore, Damascus barrels have "Beckwith London" signed on top in ornate script, fixed blade front sights, and swivel mounted ramrods. The locks are signed "Beckwith" in fancy script and have very fine scroll, border, and martial engraving patterns along with stepped tails and sliding safeties. The wedge escutcheons are silver. The spurred trigger guards have pineapple finials and classical martial and border engraving on the bows. The distinctive sawhandle stocks have checkered wrists. The pair comes in a fitted hardwood case with a W.A. Beckwith trade label c. 1810 inside showing Beckwith's design for a self-priming percussion lock, a cleaning rod, key, balls, nipple wrench, "ES" and "34" marked ball mold (34 bore = .515 caliber), three-compartment powder flask, and patches. The case lid escutcheon is engraved with a garter inscribed "AUT VINCERE AUT MORI" (either victory or death) around a griffin head with "WSPM" inscribed below. The motto has been used by various families, including the McCabe family of Ireland who also used a demi-griffin sergeant as their crest. Although he does not appear to have a second middle name, William Putnam McCabe otherwise matches the initials. He was a significant figure within the revolutionary Society of United Irishmen.

Very fine with 80% plus original finish, crisp markings and engraving, distinct Damascus patterns along the barrel, dark aged patina on the silver, and generally minor age and storage related wear. Aside from a repaired crack along the upper right edge of the forend, the stock is also very fine and has crisp checkering and light scratches and dings. Mechanically excellent.

See "A."

Very fine with 85% plus original finish, distinct Damascus twist patterns, crisp engraving and markings, minor oxidation, and generally light age and storage related wear. The stock is also very fine and has crisp checkering, minor dings and scratches, and some contact wear on the left from resting in the case. Mechanically excellent. Overall, this is a very attractive and interesting cased set.