A pair of pistols carried by Lieutenant Colonel John Colby during the Battle of Fishguard have sold for £5,625 ($8,882), beating their estimate of £4,500 ($7,106) by 25%.
The guns featured in a sale of arms and armour at Bonhams London on November 26.
|
The battle took place following an invasion by French revolutionary forces in 1797 and was the last to take place on British soil.
The French were ultimately bluffed into surrender a few short hours after landing, with very few casualties on either side.
David Williams, Bonhams' head of antique arms and armour, commented: "These pistols are a reminder of the last invasion of Britain and as such are of great interest to collectors and historians even though they were not fired in anger and a bluff prevented a bloodbath."
Please sign up to our free newsletter to receive exciting news about medals and militaria auctions.