Product Details
JOHN PROBIN
A CASED PAIR OF 32-BORE FLINTLOCK DUELLING PISTOLS,
circa 1785, with 9in. blued swamped barrels each with signed 'J. PROBIN' on the full length sighting flat and engraved with a band of beadwork at the breech, brass fore-sights, rear-sights (working additions), tangs each engraved with borderlines, foliage and a band of beadwork, border engraved flat bevelled detented bolted locks each signed 'J. PROBIN' and with stepped-tail and roller, set triggers, figured walnut full stocks each with flat-sided butt, engraved iron mounts including blued trigger-guards each with acorn finial, silver escutcheons each engraved with the initials 'CP', and horn-tipped ramrods, one with worm (blued finish later, some patches of corrosion to the barrels), Tower private proof marks, in original fitted mahogany case lined in green baize with accessories including brass-mounted red leather covered pistol-flask with ball-trap and iron pincer-type bullet-mould, the lid with later trade label of John Probin & Co. for circa 1829-34, the exterior with large shaped brass escutcheon with flush-fitting carrying-handle.
Provenance: The property of the Late Mr. Brock-Voeten.
Other Notes: These pistols were made by John Probin senior, a Birmingham maker who proved his firearms in London. It is entirely possible he had a shop in London. It has been suggested that the John Probin & Co. trade label is for a shop operated by John senior's son.
Estimate £8,000-12,000
THE ABOVE LOT IS PURCHASED AS AN EXEMPT ITEM UNDER SECTION 58 (2) OF THE 1968 FIREARMS ACT. TO BE HELD AS A CURIOSITY OR ORNAMENT.