A FINE AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY WAR PERIOD ENGLISH OFFICER’S PISTOL, BY “GRIFFIN & TOW” ca. 1770’s: In overall fine untouched original flintlock condition. The 7 1/4″, slightly flared, smoothbore, .56 caliber, pin-fastened, round, iron barrel with two (2) London Gunmaker Co. proofmarks and an “I.G.” (Joseph Griffin: Please see “Gunmakers of London…”, pg. 212-213) maker’s mark. Molded and carved walnut fullstock of classic English “Light Dragoon” Pattern with simple raised-carved points around the lock and sideplate mortises and a raised beavertail apron around the barrel tang. Full brass hardware/mounts with smooth, lightly toned surfaces and a fine, mustard age-patina overall. The trigger-guard with a flat hazelnut finial, a single barrel-form ramrod pipe, a lightly engraved flat “S” shaped sideplate and the screw-fastened butt-cap with long side-stirrups. Lightly engraved oval wrist-escutcheon with a Fox/Griffin? Coat of Arms and a “2” marking— one of a pair. Rounded lock with its matching gooseneck hammer and frizzen: bridle-less powder-pan and the frizzen spring with teardrop finial. Signed under the powder-pan with a “GRIFFIN & TOW” maker’s signature for the famed partnership of, Joseph Griffin & John Tow, who worked together at 10 New Bond Street 1772-1782. (Please see H. L. Blackmore’s: “London Gunmaker’s…”, pg. 105) In overall fine untouched original flintlock condition. The lock with smooth surfaces with some wear to the maker’s signature and scattered patches of discoloration: retains approx. 65% polish. In mechanically functional order with a strong mainspring. The barrel with matching untouched, generally smooth surfaces and a fine touch-hole and scattered patches of discoloration. Fine stock with sharp contours, fine carvings, some minor handling marks and 85%+ finish. Original horn-tip wooden ramrod. A classic example of an American Revolutionary War Period English Flintlock Officer’s Pistol, by the noted London Gunsmith partnership of “Griffin & Tow”, ca. 1770’s. Overall length, 13″. For a nearly identical example, please see G. C. Neumann’s: “Battle Weapons…”, pg. 238.
Images and description courtesy of Paul’s Antique Arms & Armour at: http://www.ambroseantiques.com/fpistols.htm