A Rare 28-Bore Flintlock Over-And-Under Holster Pistol

A Rare 28-Bore Flintlock Over-And-Under Holster Pistol By John Shaw, London, Late 17th Century With three-stage barrels, border engraved tang, border engraved rounded back-action locks each signed in capitals (one lock more worn than the other), border engraved cocks and steels, figured rounded butt and replacement fluted fore-end, the former (old repair beneath the left lock) inlaid with silver wire (some replacements), the latter with replacement baluster ramrod-pipes and ramrod, iron mounts comprising pommel with raised borders decorated with graduated spheres along the spurs and with grotesque mask cap, and trigger-guard with moulded finial (old wear and pitting, some screws replaced), indistinct proof marks and barrelsmith's mark, possibly of John Shaw 33.7 cm. barrels Footnotes: John 2 Shaw was one of the most distinguished London gunmakers of the late 17th and early 18th centuries and was responsible for making a number of fine guns from the gun-cabinet of the Barons Suffield of Gunton Park, Norfolk, sold at the house sale conducted by Irelands on 17 September 1980. He was apprenticed in Bristol, but already working in London, 1665-68. Free of the Gunmakers' Company in 1673, he was appointed Gunmaker-in-Ordinary successively to Kings Charles II, William III and George I. He maintained the King's Closet of Private Arms at Whitehall 1688-1702 and, with Edmund Gifford, was gunmaker to Prince Rupert circa 1675-80. He died in 1720 For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing