Beschreibung:

AN EXTREMELY RARE PAIR OF FLINTLOCK DUELLING PISTOLS BY WILLIAM BOSS (2), LONDON circa 1814-17 Each with heavy browned twist octagonal barrel signed 'W.Boss London' in large scrolling neo-gothic gold letters, gold fore-sight set between arrow motifs inlaid in gold (one sight missing), case-hardened recessed patent breech inlaid with gold trophies and lines, platinum-lined vent, case-hardened breech tang incorporating the back-sight and engraved with trophies and scrollwork, one in mirror image of the other, each with finely engraved case-hardened detented lock with rounded stepped tail, safety-catch, roller, hull-shaped rainproof pan lined in gold and signed 'W.Boss' en suite with the barrel (the cocks replaced, one cracked, one steel repaired), figured walnut half-stock, the butt cut with a fine chequered pattern arranged as trellis bands each of three lines, engraved blued steel mounts including trigger-guard and butt-cap each decorated with trophies, case-hardened trigger-plate with engraved pineapple finial, blued trigger and barrel-bolt, the latter impaling a pair of gold escutcheons, horn fore-end cap, original horn-tipped ramrod, gold escutcheon engraved with owner's monogram and crest, and each retaining much of its original finish, the barrels forged by Charles Lancaster (the barrels with small scratches, very small rust patches and minor losses of inlay, the stocks scratched and bruised, one fore-end cracked on the left-hand side): in a W m & J n Rigby fitted mahogany case lined in blue velvet, the lining tooled within the lid, with large illustrated trade label current circa 1817, flush-fitting circular handle, some accessories, and key (the lid slightly warped, the interior extensively chipped about the border lip, the label with small tears, marks and light foxing). 15¼ i n (38.7cm)