A Superb Pair of Flintlock Holster Pistols by Griffin. With tapering round sighted barrels, signed within an engraved border along the top, ‘GRIFFIN LONDON’ stamped with London proofs and Foreigners marks at the breech, profusely engraved steel tangs, rounded border engraved locks signed ‘GRIFFIN’ cocks decorated en suite (one cock has an old repair) with set triggers, I have not seen this feature on pistols this early, full stocked in walnut with raised mouldings around the locks and the tangs, with gilt silver pierced side-plates depicting foliage, foliate escutcheons with the original owners crest, silver grotesque masks stamped with hallmarks and turned silver ramrod pipes, both pistols have steel trigger guard decorated with a flower head on the bow and shell-like finials, in good crisp untouched condition overall.

Notes:
The pistols are accompanied with what appear to be original leather frizen protectors. I have not seen another example of these for a long time.

Griffin, B. [1739-1773]
Shop in Bond Street, London. One of the early makers of double barrel pistols and fowling pieces. Made flintlock pocket and holster pistols with silver mountings, also double barrelled, side-by-side, flintlock pistols with two hammers and two triggers. The name became Griffin & Tow from 1773 to 1796, continuing on Bond Street. Made cannon barrel flintlock pocket pistols and silver mounted flintlock holster pistols. Also brass barrelled flintlock blunderbusses.

GRIFFIN
Joseph Son of Benjamin. Apprenticed to Samuel Blanckley, turned over to father, 1741; free of Gunmakers CO., 1750. Proof piece and mark 1759. Elected Assistant, 1759; Master, 1762, 1763. Appointed Gentlemen Armourer to His Majestys Stables-in-Ordinary, 1760. Gunmaker to His Majesty near the Duke of Graftons, Bond Street., 1763. In partnership with father until 1770, then with John Tow, 1772-82. Died in 1784. Succeeded by John Tow.

Howard L. Blackmore (1986) Gunmakers Of London, 1350-1850. George Shumway Publisher. USA.

Dimensions:
Bore: 16 Bore
Barrel Length: 8.75 Inches (22.22 cm)
Overall Length: 14.5 Inches (36.83 cm)