A pair of pistols belonging to Lieutenant Colonel John Colby (1751-1823), an officer who fought at the battle of Fishguard in 1797, are to auction at Bonhams.
The clash was the last to take place on British soil.
The lot carries an estimate of £3,500-4,500 ($5,634-7,244) ahead of the November 26 Antique Arms and Armour sale in London.
 London based gun maker D Egg made the pistols circa 1795 |
The battle, referred to as the last invasion of Britain, pitted the French against the British for two days in February.
The French planned to aid Irish revolutionaries - with the occupation of mainland Britain intended as a distraction.
After a series of skirmishes, they were bluffed into surrendering by John Campbell, 1st baron of Cawdor, who led the defence.
Gun maker D Egg of London made the 40-bore percussion duelling pistols in around 1795.
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."
We have a strong selection of militaria, including this strand of hair from Napoleon Bonaparte - who took control of France two years on from the invasion, in 1799.
Please sign up to our free newsletter to receive exciting news about medals and militaria auctions.
