Want arms, armour and militaria appraisals? Price achieved for pistols may inspire

Those on the lookout for arms, Armour and militaria valuations might be impressed by the story of two duelling pistols which have been sold for almost $50,000 (about £33,000).

The items were auctioned by Bonhams & Butterfields in San Francisco, the Post and Courier reports.

Produced in 1825, the South Carolina pistols were made by gunsmith James Purdey and were owned by an Englishman called Charles Baring-Gould.

Moreover, the objects came in a mahogany-fitted case, sparking competitive bidding from those in attendance.

The pieces have nine-inch octagonal Damascus barrels as well as trigger guards and were sold alongside a selection of extra accessories.

Levi Morgan, public relations consultant for the auctioneers, is quoted in the publication as stating: "Based on what the catalogue said, the pistols show very little use, perhaps suggesting that any arguments in the Baring-Gould household were resolved without the use of these pistols."

Elsewhere, those keen on aviation collectibles might have noted that a letter written by the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic - Amelia Earhart - was recently sold at auction for $3,125, as reported by Paul Fraser Collectibles.

Posted by Lisa Marriott