A rare pair of breechloading flintlock pistols by

dating: circa 1700 provenance: France, Rifled, three-stage, 11 mm cal. barrel, octagonal first part with remains of floral engravings, central segments of sixteen facets, signed 'Jacques Lesconne', finally round with moulded muzzle; engraved tangs; lock slightly chiselled with floral motifs, plate signed en suite and with floral engravings. Wooden, half stocks, with filigree inlays in silver thread (small parts missing). Beautiful, iron mounts, richly and finely engraved with a couple of children, birds and floral motifs, grooved butt-plates. length 39.5 cm.