Pair of John Fox Twigg of London Flintlock Dueling Pistols Refinished Originals, MFD 1755-1788, Antique

SOLD FOR: $1,955
Make: John Fox Twigg
Model: .54 Caliber Flintlock
Serial Number: None
Year of Manufacture: 1755 – 1788
Caliber: .54 Caliber Ball
Action Type: Black, Powder, Muzzle Loading Flintlock
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “Twigg, London”, a Crown over “V” proof and a Crown over “CP” proof. The lock plate is marked “Twigg”.
Barrel Length: 8 ¾” Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sights are silver beads in brass mounts dovetailed to the barrels. The rear sights are square notch express leafs integral to the tangs.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The one piece stocks have been heavily sanded and refinished.
150122CF12: Scattered compression marks are visible, with two significant marks apparent on the rear of the grip and a small split in the wood apparent on the left side of the grip. Finish build up is apparent in the protected areas. The stock is in Good condition as refinished.
150122CF14: Scattered compression marks are visible, with a cluster of marks on the left side of the forend. Finish build up is apparent in the protected areas. The stock is in Good condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blue, Silver
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: 150122CF12: The smooth bore is rough and there is erosion in the bore.
150122CF14: The smooth bore is rough and there is erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: 150122CF12: This handgun retains about 45% of its current metal finish. Sanding marks and evidence of surface erosion can be seen beneath the new finish. The finish is streaked with areas of thinning and finish loss. The touchhole is lined with brass. Thinned finish and spots of erosion are visible on the lock plate. The trigger guard and ramrod rings exhibit extensive erosion and finish loss. The forward tang of the trigger guard is shaped and engraved to resemble a pineapple and a diamond design is engraved on the trigger guard bow. The barrel tang is engraved with a vine leaf pattern. The screw heads are moderately deformed and serviceable. The markings are shallow but legible. Overall, this handgun rates in about Good condition as a refinished antique.
150122CF14: This handgun retains about 35% of its current metal finish. Sanding marks and evidence of surface erosion can be seen beneath the new finish. The finish is streaked with areas of thinning and finish loss. The touchhole is lined with brass. Thinned finish and spots of erosion are visible on the lock plate. The trigger guard and ramrod rings exhibit extensive erosion and finish loss. The forward tang of the trigger guard is shaped and engraved to resemble a pineapple and a diamond design is engraved on the trigger guard bow. The barrel tang is engraved with a vine leaf pattern. The screw heads are moderately deformed and serviceable. The markings are shallow but legible. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fair to Good condition as a refinished antique.
Mechanics: The actions function weakly. 150122CF12: Though the mainspring feels strong, the frizzen does not completely pivot away when struck. The dog’s head will not lock into half-cock. We did not fire this handgun.
150122CF14: Though the mainspring feels strong, the frizzen does not completely pivot away when struck. The dog’s head locks firmly into half-cock. We did not fire this handgun.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: We have located a reference to a very similar pair of Twigg pistols which were listed as ‘dueling pistols’. We’d expect dueling pistols to be more ceremonial and despite some intricate metal work, these are fairly plain. It is possible that they were intended to be a brace of pistols by a traveler, but it is impossible to say for sure. In the late 1700s, firearms were made individually by craftsmen. What is absolutely certain is that the lock plates are barrels are marked “Twigg”. John Fox Twigg was born at Grantham, Lincolnshire, in 1732 and after serving as apprentice to Irish gun maker Edward Newton, until he struck out on his own around 1755. In 1788 Twigg formed a partnership with his nephew, John Bass, which lasted until 1792, cut short by Twigg’s death. Twigg & Bass arms are collectable, but Twigg was very well respected in his own right and Twigg marked guns are very sought after. These pistols are Twiggs. The metal and stocks have been refinished and they are in pretty good cosmetic shape except for finish loss on the barrels. The lock works on both pistols are a little weak, but they both operate and make sparks. This pair of original John Fox Twigg pistols will make a splendid set of display pieces.