^Lot 2413 FINE PAIR MID 18TH CENTURY GERMANIC FLINTLOCK

PISTOLS ENGRAVED "C.Bird & Co Phila" ON BARRELS. Cal. 54. S# NSN. This lovely pair of pistols have 10-1/2" deeply swamped barrels with raised ribs newly engraved "C. Bird & Co., Phila." (working 1790-1830). Breech ends of barrels are nicely filed with ogee transition to breech plug tangs with raised area stamped "I" "CB". Early style locks with deeply chamfered slightly arched plates; feature inset faceted pans, unbridled friction frizzens and feather springs with trifid finials. Chamfers around lockplates and cocks are very nicely filed with step at base. Fiddle figured walnut stocks with birds head grips extend to muzzles with horn tips and are pinned to barrels. Nicely carved raised moldings are around locks; sideplates, barrel tangs and ramrod channels. Pistols are brass mounted with relief file decorated grip caps, trigger guards and sideplates. Sideplates show some light engraving. Old, probably original horn tipped ramrods mount through beaded and faceted brass pipes and matching thimbles. CONDITION: fine. Barrels and locks cleaned and retoned to silver gray. Engraving on ribs relatively sharp and shiny in cuts. Stocks retain most of their original finish with many marks and dings and some darkening behind pans. No cracks or repairs are noted with the exception of some minor chipping behind locks. Brass shows light rubbing and is pleasantly toned. Bores are good; lightly pitted. Locks are fine. PROVENANCE: Estate Collection of Nicholas Apergis. (01-27496/MGM). ANTIQUE. $3,500-5,000.