Highly Unusual Identified Pair of American Made Scottish Style Pistols (77292) 

NSN. Made circa 1840.  This pair is in 45 caliber with 7.25" barrels. This is a highly unusual pair as on first glance they appear to be Scottish pistols with the flared muzzles, all metal stocks and ram's head style butt, but this pair is marked on the lock "R. A. Reed/ 25 Chatham St N. Y."  Robert a Reed was listed as a gunsmith at 25 Chatham St in New York City in 1839. At first glance, it appears to retailer marked, but looking at the engraving and especially the eagles that are on the right hand side of the grip on each gun. The left hand side of the grip has a Heraldic shield. Both guns are en suite. Th top of the stock behind the barrel is a small overall size engraved escutcheon inscribed "James Drysdale/ N. Y." We have found a James Drysdale who in the graduating class of 1840 of the College of Physicians and Surgeons in the City of New York. Unfortunately there is not much more information that we can find on him, except it appears he passed away in 1854. This pair of pistols is in very fine condition. The engraving is all sharp showing very minimal use. The metal stocks appear to be German Silver. The trigger guard is heavier silver with high relief oak leaf engraving. The glass cabochon  on one of the pistols is missing.  These are incredibly unique American made Scottish style pistols that appear to have been custom made for a young New York Doctor.