A pair of late eighteenth-century English flintlock pistols by the provincial gunsmith Richard Parrett of Milford Street, Salisbury
with turn-off cannon barrels, the lockplates inscribed 'R. Parrett', crown over sceptre proof marks struck twice to the underside of the barrels, with blank escutcheon to the wooden grips, overall lengths 20cm
(2)

Notes: From about 1751, the Ordnance proof house, which was situated on Tower Wharf close to the Tower of London, started proving privately made civilian firearms. To differentiate between the Ordnance and civilian markings, the mark that was chosen for civilian or “Private Proof” was the crossed sceptres & crown, struck twice, one mark above the other - but without the Royal Cypher mark. This service had the added attraction of being available, at no extra cost, to “foreigners”, i.e., those gunmakers who did not work in London and who were not bound by the membership rules of the London Gunmakers Company.

Section 58(2), obsolete calibre and can be owned without a license.

Condition Report
Both actions hold at full and half cock and release with the trigger, but one is a little looser than the other. There is some general wear to both pistols in the form of minor dings and dents to the wooden grips, but no cracks or signs of splitting. One raised section on the underside of barrel to use the barrel key on is partially broken. This same pistol has an indent just above the previously described area, presumably from someone using the key, alongside a couple of knocks to the edge of the trigger guard.

Examination of the interior of both barrels shows some brown rust and general dirt or surface accumulation

Bidding indicates acceptance of the condition of the lot.  All lots are sold subject to general wear and tear commensurate with age and handling over time and only obvious faults will be mentioned after a visual inspection. If you have particular specialist questions on any lot, please state these before bidding since we cannot and will not provide a forensic examination of any lot but only a general condition report as a guide only. All condition reports given by Halls Holdings Ltd's representatives or agents are statements of opinion and not fact. If you require any further information about any lots in this auction or about bidding please do not hesitate to contact us again.