A Sleepy Pair of Flintlock Queen Anne Pistols by J. Hall of London, Circa 1720. With three-stage turn-off barrels, engraved with a spray of foliage at the breeches and stamped with London proofs and John Halls own barrel smith mark, ‘IH’ finely engraved steel tangs and screws, border engraved locks signed beneath the pans, cocks and frizens decorated en suite, (traces of original finish to some parts) half stocked in walnut with raised mouldings around the tangs and locks, swelling towards the butts, with brass furniture comprising foliate side-plate, escutcheons and grotesque masks butt caps, foliate engraved trigger guards and brass fore-end caps. All engraving remains crisp and untouched, the pistols retain a pleasing patina throughout. Its hard to find such early pistols in this lovely untouched condition.

Notes:

The pistols are accompanied with what appears to be their original barrel key. Of usual form but with a brass insert to prevent scarring of the barrels. I have never seen a key like this before. 

HALL

John Apprenticed to Godfrey Tailor, turned over to George Fisher, 1694; free of Gunmakers Co., 1702. Proof piece 1705. Elected Assistant, 1722; Master, 1726. Gunmaker, Budge Row, from 1725. Contractor to Ordnance, 1706-28; Royal Africa Co. (‘fuzzes, buccaneer guns’) 1717-24; East India Co., 1726-40. Died 1740. Business continued by widow, Jane. 

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

Dimensions:

Bore: 20 Bore

Barrel Length: 7 Inches (17.78 cm)

Overall Length: 12 Inches (30.48 cm)