The Property of a Gentleman A PAIR OF 22 BORE SILVER-MOUNTED FLINTLOCK TURN-OFF PISTOLS BY LEWIS (1) BARBAR, LONDON, CIRCA 1730 with turn-off cannon barrels, rounded actions engraved with foliage top and bottom, signed beneath the pan, struck with London proof marks and the barrelsmith's mark (one steel spring replaced), engraved tangs, figured walnut butts carved with foliate mouldings about the tangs, iron trigger-guards, one engraved with a star on the bow (the other with light pitting), silver mounts comprising openwork rococo side-plates involving an issuant demon mask, engraved spurred pommels, and escutcheons with the owner's crest, perhaps a griffin's head erased (rubbed) 13.7 cm; 5 3/8 in barrels (2) Lewis (1) Barbar, son of James, emigrated from France to avoid religious persecution in 1688 and is recorded 'in the King's service circa 1690-7. He became Free of the Gunmakers Company by redemption and his proof piece, 'a very fine piece' was passed in 1704. He became Master in 1718, was Gentleman Armourer to George I in 1717, George II in 1727 and was also gunsmith to the Dukes of Montague 1710-41. He was Contractor to the Ordnance 1723-40 and died in 1741.