A Fantastic and Beautiful Cased Pair of English Flintlock Dueling Pistols by COLLIS, OXFORD

A Fantastic and Beautiful Antique Cased Pair of English Flintlock Dueling Pistols by COLLIS, OXFORD, circa. 1790.  8.75", .64 cal. octagon steel barrels with the top flat engraved "OXFORD", (2) small Proof marks stamped on the left side of breech and retain 95% of the original plum brown finish.  Very fine decoratively engraved barrel tangs.  The flat beveled steel locks have high quality sliding safety's, and engraved "COLLIS" (each exhibit remnants of case colors).  High quality engraved steel furniture includes trigger guards with pineapple finials (all steel furniture retains approx. 75% original blue finish).  Both walnut stocks are solid with sharp sections of grip checkering, flat sided butts and both have minimal light scratches and dings from years of handling.  Both barrels exhibit salt & pepper rust pitting around the touch holes.  Both pistols are in their original flintlock configuration and are in good mechanical working order.  A beautiful pair of dueling pistols in excellent condition !

Each pistol measures: 15" overall.

Accessories include: a wonderful early red leather covered 3-way powder flask, bullet mold, tow, lead balls, extra flints, turn screw, ram rod/cleaning rod, pan brush, and patches. 

High Quality Period English box made with early flush fitting lifting handle on the top of the lid and Measures: 19" X 9" X 3" with correct early English green baize lining.  It is our opinion that these pistols are not original to the box but a fantastic marriage.  Key for front lock is missing.

ORIGINAL TRADE LABEL: "W. SMITH, Gun Maker To His Majesty, H. R. H. The Duke of Roucester, THE EMPEROR of RUSSIA, The King of Bavaria, the most Celebrated Pigeon Shooters & c. & c."  "No. 59, PRINCES STREET, Liecester Square, LONDON."  "Preston Engraver 64 St. Martins Lane."  (This label was primarily used between 1820-1822). 

The Gun Maker: JOHN COLLIS, worked in Oxford, England 1782-1798.

TTI-535420