Pair of Original Buckmaster London Flintlock Dueling Pistols

Make: Buckmaster, London
Model: Flintlock Single Shot
Serial Number: NSN
Year of Manufacture: Early to Mid 1700’s
Caliber: Approx. .63”
Action Type: Single Shot, Flintlock
Markings: The top of the barrels are marked “London” , the left side of the barrels are marked with a crown over “G”, a crown over “V”, and a heart over “JB”. The right side of the locks are marked “Buckmaster”.
Barrel Length: Approx. 7”
Sights / Optics: The guns are mounted without sights.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The wood behind the lock on the right side of one gun has chipped away, about ¼” by 1”. These grips are in good overall condition, with some nicks and dings and some pins sticking out on the right side. The front wood to barrel fit is loose. The second gun also has nicks and dings and a small hole on the left side of the frame above the trigger. This gun also has some front pin issues, but the barrel to wood fit is better. While these guns are very similar, they are clearly handmade and slightly different. The brass furniture is slightly differently located, engraved and embellished; as can be seen in the photos with the brass furniture. The design on the brass pommel is also slightly different.
Type of Finish: Brass / In the White
Finish Originality: All Original
Bore Condition: The bores are brass and smooth and a little dirty.
Overall Condition: The exposed metal of the locks have light surface pitting, age discoloration and no finish. The brass is very smooth, and does not show a lot of polishing as the markings are still clear and sharp. The brass was likely cleaned at some point, though this was a while ago and the brass has started to age again. The screw heads are in good serviceable condition, showing little use on both guns. The markings are clear. Overall, these guns rate in about Fine – Excellent condition, especially for their age.
Mechanics: The actions function correctly but the hammer springs are weak. We did not fire these guns.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Both pistols retain their ramrods.
Our Assessment: These are a very nice pair of closely matched flintlock carry or dueling pistols. The wood is in good serviceable condition and the actions both function (however with slightly weak springs). The barrel markings are clear and the pistols should prove highly collectable – pairs are seldom encountered, let alone pairs in this condition, with different engraving and appointments. These brass barreled pistols were in every house in the colonies through the 1700’s. If you are a revolutionary war collector or history buff, these pistols were made for you – or at least made for your ancestors.

Sold For: $4,049