Lot 12A: Exceptional Pair of Flintlock Pistols

Lot 12A: Exceptional Pair of Flintlock Pistols

Tapered brass barreled pistols, made by Rimes of London, , the octagon to round barrels are engraved “Rimes London”, and exhibit four proof marks, the lock plates are engraved “Rimes”, silver repousse grotesque masks act as butt plates, the silver trigger guard exhibits four hallmarks, with light engraving and a shell end, the silver side plates exhibit an inverted pineapple and a sword, the escutcheons display a helmet, a sword and a cannon, the engraved barrel tang is framed by a carved wooden shell, with minor wear, both 14 1/4″ l. [John Rimes Gunsmith’s Shop was on 66 Bell Dock from 1761-1784. In 1772 he was a contractor for the East India Co. British officers, silver mounted. These pistols are hallmarked for 1775.] 

$4,000-8,000

Description

Tapered brass barreled pistols, made by Rimes of London, , the octagon to round barrels are engraved “Rimes London”, and exhibit four proof marks, the lock plates are engraved “Rimes”, silver repousse grotesque masks act as butt plates, the silver trigger guard exhibits four hallmarks, with light engraving and a shell end, the silver side plates exhibit an inverted pineapple and a sword, the escutcheons display a helmet, a sword and a cannon, the engraved barrel tang is framed by a carved wooden shell, with minor wear, both 14 1/4″ l. [John Rimes Gunsmith’s Shop was on 66 Bell Dock from 1761-1784. In 1772 he was a contractor for the East India Co. British officers, silver mounted. These pistols are hallmarked for 1775.] 

$4,000-8,000