$8,610
Pair of Holster Pistols, Silver-hilted Small Sword, and Flask, pistols and sword, France, mid-18th century, the pistols, probably by Jean-Antoine de La Roche, Paris, c. 1740-50, with walnut stock with relief carved floral decoration behind entry pipe and at breech and silver wire inlay, horn-tipped wood rammer, silver furniture, foliate scroll sideplate, trigger guard with floral device on bow, the butt cap with panoply of arms, oval escutcheon with engraved coart of arms possibly of the Becel family, lock engraved "La Roche Paris," octagon to round barrel with gold decoration at breech and around the sight, overall lg. 19 3/4 in.; the sword with elaborately pierced floral pattern hilt, silver-wire-wrapped grip, and triangular blade, later brass scabbard, overall lg. 33 7/8; and a mid-19th century round silver flask with short threaded spout, one side engraved "A. Mitchell," dia. 4 3/4 in. Provenance: The pistols, sword, and flask were mounted together on a wooden plaque by Alfred Mitchell (1832-1911). Donald Mitchell, a brother of Alfred Mitchell, inherited the pistol, sword, and flask, by family tradition they came from his maternal grandfather, Nathaniel Shaw Woodbridge, and were retained in his house in Salem. Alfred's principal claim to fame was that he married Annie Olivia Tiffany (1844-1937), the daughter of Charles Tiffany and sister of Louis Comfort Tiffany. Alfred Mitchell and Annie Olivia Tiffany were also cousins, both having descended from Nathaniel Shaw Wo Read more…
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2016-10-27
