Beschreibung:

A pair of early 19thC brass blunderbuss flintlock pistols by George Wallis of Hull, with steel trigger guards and side mounted ramrods, walnut handles and sprung loaded bayonets to the underside, proof marks and numbered 1 and 2, 19cm (butt to muzzle). George Wallis was born in the village of Lockington, East Yorkshire and he began repairing firearms in 1760. Wallis had premises at Mytongate, between Sewer Lane and Finkle Street, where he established and grew a successful business. It was here that he repaired guns, placed blades into silver knife handles, and engraved decorative silverware. Alongside his work, he accumulated a large collection of armour, arms, coins and medals. This grew to such an extent that it eventually developed into a museum. It was possibly one of the first museums of its kind in Hull. After his death in 1803, George Wallis Junior continued his father's legacy. Wallis Junior managed to increase the collection, whilst also following in his father's gunsmith footsteps. He also made one of the most significant contributions to the city's whaling industry by building the swivel-mounted harpoon gun. This had two flintlock hammers that worked off a single trigger. With a full charge, you could achieve an accurate range of up to forty yards. The Wallis Collection was sold off in 1833, following Junior's death. Some of the exhibits were handed over to the Hull Literary and Philosophical Society for public display.