A pair of duelling pistols, linked to the last invasion of Britain at Fishguard in 1797, has been sold at auction for £5,625.

The pistols were purchased by a mystery bidder who paid more than £1,000 over the guide price.

The cased pair of 40 bore percussion duelling pistols was sold at Bonhams Antique Arms and Armour auction last month. The pistols had been expected to fetch between £3,500 and £4,500.

Speaking before the auction David Williams, Head of Bonhams Antique Arms and Armour Department said:

"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."

The guns belonged to John Colby (1751-1823) a Pembrokeshire landowner who came to the area in the 1790s to mine coal at what is now known as Colby Woodland Garden in Amroth.

He was Lieutenant Colonel of the Pembrokeshire Militia and Governor of Haverfordwest Castle at the time of the last invasion of Britain, now known as the Battle of Fishguard.

John Colby led the militia against the French, marching through the night to Fishguard where the French soon surrendered.

A spokesman from Bonhams said that successful bidder had asked for their details to remain confidential.

"The pistols did do very well," he said. "There was definitely more interest than was anticipated, though perhaps no more than should have been, because they were very interesting."