A 20-Bore Flintlock Silver-Mounted Holster Pistol

A 20-Bore Flintlock Silver-Mounted Holster Pistol By Griffin Of London, London Silver Hallmarks For 1759, Maker's Mark Of John Alen With slightly swamped barrel (worn and lightly pitted overall), foliate engraved tang, border engraved rounded lock (cock replaced) signed in capitals, figured full stock carved with shells around the barrel tang, cast and chased mounts comprising pierced foliate side-plate with central cartouche, foliate escutcheon on a pedestal and engraved with owner's monogram, trigger-guard with foliate finial and engraved with a flower-head on the bow, spurred pommel with grotesque mask centred on a scrolled border interrupted by a shell, engraved silver ramrod-pipes, and later horn-tipped ramrod with iron worm, London proof marks and indistinct barrelsmith's mark 22.8 cm. barrel Footnotes: For a full account of John Allen (1698-1769) see Leslie Southwick, 'The Makers' Marks', 'I.K', 'JA' and 'M.B.', Struck On London 18th Century Georgian Silver Gun Furniture...', J.A.A.S., Vol. XXIV, No. 2 (September 2022), pp. 136-185 For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing