Lovely Pair of 18th Century British Flintlock Turn-Off Pistols

NSN, .38 Caliber, 1 5/8" barrels with good, lightly pitted bores.  These are diminutive, London-proofed pistols that have an overall, lightly freckled, bright gray patina with some scattered spots of darker, plum-brown freckling scattered throughout.  The box frames have lovely scrollwork engraving with the maker’s name in a riband on the right side: "RICHARDS."  The pistols are not equipped with sliding safeties, and the bag-shaped walnut grips have delicate wire inlays, as well as grotesque face caps on the butts.  The wood is in very good shape with only some minor handling marks scattered about, and some missing wire inlays as well.  Both barrels are faintly marked in electric pencil with WW2 era Canadian registration numbers: "D – C 1608" and "D – C 1609."  John Richards was a maker who operated in London between 1760 – 1821 from his shop at 25 Strand.  This is a splendid pair of 18th century British pistols, in very good condition, and would make a wonderful addition to any collection.  Antique