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.
Provenance
By descent to Mr P Dineley.