The inscription London on the barrels of this pair of 19th century, silver-mounted flintlock pistols is entirely spurious.

Extracted from Antiques Trade Gazette | Jonathan Franks

In fact, the elaborately finished firearms, whose silver stocks are decorated with beaded bands, filigree, niello and finely engraved motifs and three coral cabochons, are the work of a craftsman somewhere in the Balkans.

They are substantial pieces, measuring 21in (54cm) in length and are being offered by Hermann Historica in its sale of May 20-24. In October 2000, they were sold at the same venue for 15,500 Marks. This time around they are expected to shoot to new heights, with a starting price of €10,000.