A pair of 18th Century English 20 bore flintlock pistols

A pair of 18th Century English 20 bore flintlock pistols, by Edward North senior, swamped barrels 8 in., lightly engraved at the breeches and tangs and with 'LONDON' in a simple panel, London Company proof marks and 'EN' within a diamond; border engraved locks with 'North' in cursive script, swan necked cocks (one broken); full stocks with brass furniture carved with aprons around the tangs and drop points behind the lock and side plates; scrolling openwork side plates, vacant escutcheons with shell finials, grip caps formed as monstrous heads with gaping mouths, each with ribbed ramrod pipe and tail pipe retaining a plain (possibly later) wooden rod.

Edward North: free of Gunmaker's company 1729, proof piece and mark 1733, died 1761 (ref. Blackmore)