A VERY RARE CASED PAIR OF ROTARY-UNDERLEVER PINFIRE TARGET PISTOLS BY C. GOLDEN, CHEAPSIDE, BRAD

A VERY RARE CASED PAIR OF ROTARY-UNDERLEVER PINFIRE TARGET PISTOLS BY C. GOLDEN, CHEAPSIDE, BRADFORD, circa 1860-5, 17in. overall, numbered '1' and '2' respectively, the No.1 pistol of 34-bore, the No.2 pistol of 70-bore, each with sighted rebrowned damascus rifled barrel signed in full on the top flat and engraved with a spray of foliage at the breech (No.2 pistol's fore-sight loose), rear-sight of two folding leaves each with inlaid platinum centre-line, those on the No.1 pistol calibrated for 25 yards and 100 yards, scroll engraved tang, action and signed bolted lock, the latter each retaining traces of original case-hardening, figured walnut half-stock engraved in low relief with foliage against stippled ground on the butt and fore-end, set triggers, scroll engraved trigger-guard, that on the No.2 pistol retaining some original blued finish, and silver shield-shaped escutcheon, London black powder proof marks, in original flitted mahogany case lined in blue baize with some accessories, the lid with reproduction trade label of 'Charles Colden', printed label of John Beattie Dunlap with 'Spring Bank Bradford' handwritten above his family coat of arms, and small post-1920 trade card of Stephen Grant & Sons, the exterior with burr walnut veneer and circular brass escutcheon. Footnote: It is believed that these are the only known British-made pinfire target pistols.