A PAIR OF 14 BORE NORTH EUROPEAN FLINTLOCK HOLSTER PISTOLS, CIRCA 1700-1710, NORTH GERMAN OR LOW

A PAIR OF 14 BORE NORTH EUROPEAN FLINTLOCK HOLSTER PISTOLS, CIRCA 1700-1710, NORTH GERMAN OR LOW COUNTRIES with tapering sighted barrels chiselled with foliage over the breeches, stepped bevelled locks, figured walnut full stocks carved with a raised moulding about the barrel tangs, locks and mounts, steel mounts chiselled in low relief, comprising side-plates formed of a pair of scrolling panels interrupted by a grotesque mask and with foliate terminals, spurred faceted pommels fitted with grotesque mask caps framed by foliage, faceted trigger-guards with foliate terminals, vacant escutcheons surmounted by a demon mask, a pair of faceted ramrod-pipes, and each with original steel-tipped wooden ramrod, 50.0 cm barrels (2) Provenance The Hanoverian Royal Gunroom, Königliche Waffen 1895 (inv. nos. 184 & 185). The Royal House of Hanover, sold Sotheby's Marienburg, 5th October 2005, lot 769 Exhibited Exhibition of Arms, Armour and Militaria lent by H.R.H. The Duke of Brunswick at the Tower of London, April 10th-October 31st 1952, nrs.179 & 180.