Pair of Bird & Ashmore Livery Conversion Pistols

Offered here is a pair of percussion livery pistols by Bird & Ashmore, originally made as flintlocks around 1810 and later converted to percussion. Bird & Ashmore are recorded as working in Birmingham from 1807 to 1811. Livery pistols were large, plain, solid pistols provided to some employees of wealthy estates and well to do families. Employees included coachmen, messengers and personal protection guards. The 18 bore (.63 caliber), sighted, smoothbore barrels with top flat, measure 9 ½ inches with each pistol measuring 14 ½ inches. The barrels have London proofs and barrel makers marks of ‘B&A’. Note that the front sight has broken off from one of the pistols. The pistols feature plain stepped, flat locks with one clearly showing ‘BIRD / & / ASMORE’ and the other only remnants of this. The locks are in working order with one having a strong action, while the other is somewhat weaker. The brass furniture is in good condition with minor variations between pistols. Both pistols have shield shaped, vacant echelons. The full-length walnut stocks are also in good condition with a noticeable repair to one pistol near the muzzle. See photos. Also note that the rammers are recent replacements. All in all, a good pair of pistols that would have spent their working life protecting passengers traveling the rough coach roads of Georgian Britain. Sold as collector items only. Price includes shipping in Australia, layby available.