Pair of pistols

Richard Parrett (circa 1715 - active 1770)

Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum

circa 1760-1770

These are an unusual pair of 54-bore tutenag (alloy of copper, zinc and nickel) flintlock box-lock pistols by Richard Parrett of Salisbury. These decorative pieces were intended for civilian rather than military use, and were works of art as well as firearms. The decoration employed follows that of the best gun-makers at the time (for example Henry Hadley) who sort to rival the decorative qualities of continental gun makers. They would have been carried for personal protection by somebody of wealth and importance.

• Medium: wood, silver, tutenag
• Dimensions: 20.3 x 7cm
• Art Fund Grant: £2500 ( Total: £5,000)
• ArtFunded in: 2010
• Vendor: P Dineley

Provenance

By descent to Mr P Dineley.

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