Lot 237
A mid 18th century silver mounted flintlock three stage cannon barrelled turn-off pistol
Auction: Fine Antiques
Description
signed Barbar, London 2 at the breech with IB stamp for James Barbar and engraved acanthus leaves with London proof mark, the dark walnut butt carved with a shell below the engraved barrel tang and with carved tear drops behind the cast silver trophy of arms side plate, engraved silver spurred pommel with grotesque mask butt cap in the form of leaves, rococo escutcheon engraved with a viscount's crest and coronet, with Keith Neal collection tag P 228 attached to the floral engraved trigger guard
Dimensions
30cm long
Footnote
Note: The crest and coronet is that of Lionel Tollemache (1734-1799) 5th Earl of Dysart. The 5th Earl was responsible for re- shaping the gardens at Ham House, Richmond Park Middlesex. Ham House is now in the care of The National Trust given by the Tollemache family in 1948.
Jacobus Barbero was apprenticed on October 7th 1714 for seven years to his father Ludovicus in June 1737.In May 1741 he became Gentleman Armourer to King George II.In 1742 he was appointed Master of the Gunmakers Company The spelling of the name varies between Barber and Barbar; he died in April 1773.
Literature
Great British Gunmakers 1740-1790- W.Keith Neal-& D.H.Back page -102-3
This pistol appears in five detailed photographs plates 341-345.
Christie's sale 9th Nov 2000 lot 212.