Dueling Pistols for the Irish Aristocracy c1820

Offered here is an excellent, cased pair of flintlock, dueling pistols made for the Irish aristocracy by John Dust of London around 1820. John Dust operated from various addresses on The Strand from 1805 till 1820. The slim pistol grips, popular amongst the Irish, and the miniscule shamrocks on those grips identify these pistols as being for the Irish market. The .55 caliber, octagonal, sighted, smoothbore, browned Damascus barrels measure 9 ½ inches with the pistols measuring 15 ½ inches each. The barrels marked ‘LONDON’ feature beaded front sights, rear sights at the engraved tang and platinum touch holes. No proof marks are visible on the barrels. There is also some storage case wear to the browning on the barrels. See photos The locks and swan necked cocks are delicately engraved. The locks with fern leaves along the border, chevrons on the sliding safeties and a partially visible stand of arms under the safeties. Each lock is also engraved ‘DUST / 201 STRAND’. The locks also feature semi rain proof pans and friction reducing roller frizzens. The actions are in good working order. The lightly engraved, trigger guards, butt caps and rammer pipes are all in good condition and still have strong traces of fading bluing. The full-length walnut stocks featuring diamond shaped checkering with minute shamrocks are in excellent condition. The horn tipped rammers are original to the pistols but one is slightly shorter that the other The relined, mahogany case appears to be original to the pistols. The relining has been done with two different types of cloth and is not of the same standard that the original would have been. The trade label is a reproduction. Of the accessories the 22 bore, bullet mould and leather covered powder flask are correct for these pistols. The oil bottle and loading/cleaning rod are from a later percussion revolver casing. More photos available on the Steel & Shot website. Sold as collectables only. Price includes shipping within Australia, layby available.