Lot 153
Rare Cased English Silver-Mounted Flintlock Sword Pistol and Scabbard by Griffin &
Tow
25-inch unmarked straight blade with double fullers. .50 caliber 2 1/8-inch turn-off
barrel with molded banding at breech. Boxlock action. Sliding safety. Scroll-engraved
silver side panels marked: Griffin & Tow and London. British proofs. Finely made and
hallmarked silver shell guard. Engraved screws and triggerguard. One-piece walnut grip
with beautiful silver scroll side panel decoration and silver eaglehead pommel cap.
Original black leather scabbard with silver throat and tip. Silver belt stud. Sword and
scabbard both contained in burgundy satin-lined case with burgundy velvet covering.
Pierced gold-washed floral escutcheon on lid.
Condition: Sword very good to excellent, showing age wear, pitting
and age patina. Some mountings with minor dents. Scabbard good with minor checking to
leather. Case showing heavy wear to exterior with most of velvet velour worn away. Cracks
present in bottom of case.
Provenance: Frank Bivins Collection
Half Century Scrapbook of Vari-Type Firearms by Theodore Dexter 1960, plate 52 #970 and
Blades & Barrels, H.Gordon Frost, 1972, page 129, #202.
Estimate: $15000 - $20000
Gregg
Martin Auctions
