Percussion Pistols pair from Paris in the Box

[Bayer1957]

 

[Bayer1957]

I was really lucky to get these pistols.

But I sill have a few questions about it.
Maybe you can help me with that?
More later.

 

[Bayer1957]

The Barrels are marked with this mark. Unfortunately I can`t sort it out. Do you have an Idea??

 

[morehops52]

What a fantastic pair of pistols. Thanks for sharing.

 

[FLTaft1948]

WOW! WOW! WOW!

 

[bpd303]

The crown with L B is a British special voluntary proof mark. Probably for the owner to use the pistols in Britain.

 

[leadhoarder]

How do they shoot?

 

[Relic shooter]

SUPERB SET IN UNBEATABLE CONDITION BAYER 1957 !!!
Looks like pistol #2 may be an unfired virgin.

In my opinion this is a genuine set of top quality dueling pistols, you have the real deal, you really scored an exceptional find.
It's very common to see similar sets of pistols marketed as dueling pistols in an effort to draw higher prices.

In my 60+ years of collecting, shooting & dealing with quality English & European firearms I've owned & observed several of this quality.
I don't ever recall running across dueling pistols with set triggers & adjustable rear sights.
Makers of dueling pistols zeroed the sights in for a given distance, sensitive set triggers would be a hazard to nervous contenders.
It's very common to see high quality target pistols & sets with single set triggers & rear sights that were screw adjustable for elevation.

Yours pistols are similar but much nicer quality & better shape than my lone .70 cal. French officers pistol.
Relic shooter

 

[Pukatea Bay Boy]

The Barrels are marked with this mark. Unfortunately I can`t sort it out. Do you have an Idea??
View attachment 274782

I read something about dueling pistols. No idea of absolute truth. ??
That often one was fully rifiled & the other just at the muzzle.
& obviously you had a much better chance with the fully rifiled one.
I wonder??? If the x pistol is the one to pick / or not ?
Would you know if that's the case with your lovely pistols.
Ma te wa ( have a great day)
Chris

 

[New Hampshire]

What a great set of pistols!

 

[wiscoaster]

The Barrels are marked with this mark.

An "X" is often used to mark a firearm released from official military or law enforcement service. Do you have any idea of their provenance? Might be a brace of pistols originally awarded to a military officer for services rendered or rank attained. They're absolutely beautiful and amazing.

 

[CuNosecap]

That “X” looked like a breech plug witness mark to me.

 

[wiscoaster]

That “X” looked like a breech plug witness mark to me.

Ya, on second thought, I think you're right, that's what it is.