Pair of Flemish Flintlock Holster Pistols by M. Delince, Circa 1730

With  sighted tapering barrels chiseled with acanthus foliage in low relief at the base of the sighting flats, the breeches each raised and faceted at their base, chiseled with acanthus sprays, engraved beaded borders 
and engraved scrollwork designs involving a monster and an exotic bird, the barrel tangs engraved ensuite, with signed bevelled flat locks also decorated ensuite with the breeches and each 
involving an engraved grotesque mask, figured walnut full stocks carved with raised mouldings including acanthus sprays about the barrel tangs and ramrod-pipes, full iron mounts chiseled in low relief, comprising spurred pommels with prominent demon mask caps fitted within a segmented enclosure of leaves and small flowerheads, side-plates pierced with a scrollwork pattern involving griffon’s heads and a 
mask, the trigger-guard finials formed as acanthus mouldings, faceted baluster ramrod pipes, cartouche-shaped escutcheons each involving a coronet, and each retaining its original ramrod..
 
Very fine overall condition.
 
Provenance:  The Armory of the Princely House of Hohenloe-Langenburg, retaining  inventory tags.
 
Barrels       13 1/2’
O.  A.         20 1/2″
 
Price:        $12,500-