A Brace Of Albanian 18-Bore Flintlock (Epirot) Pistols With Silver-Gilt Stocks, 19th Century

With earlier russet barrels, one in three stages with octagonal breech, and both etched with spiral bands of foliate decoration, tangs covered by silver-gilt plates (one incomplete) each cast and chased in relief with foliage, one with pierced finial inhabited by a pair of birds, russet locks each with roller, heavy full stocks with slightly curved tapering butts cast and chased overall in low relief with repeated designs of flowering scrollwork and rocailles, bulbous pommels, muzzle-sleeves, trigger-guards and false ramrods all en suite, the first each with foliate finial, one trigger cast in the round as an Epirot in contemporary costume, the other cast and pierced with scrolling foliage behind, and retaining much of their original gilding (2)
32 cm. and 33.5 cm. barrels

Of the type used by the Soulists. For a related pair sold in these Rooms see Antique Arms & Armour..., 23 July 2015, lot 68. See also Robert Elgood, The Arms of Greece..., 2009, p. 231, fig. 289, 290