Original 18th Century British Brass Boxlock Flintlock Pistol with Turn Off Barrel and Mask Butt Cap - Circa 1780

Original Item: Only one available. This is a lovely slender boxlock style pistol with a brass frame and turn-off barrel, with a shape very reminiscent of the "Queen Anne" style, but with a top mounted hammer, pan, and frizzen. There is unfortunately no maker name on the pistol, but it definitely shows a very high level of artistry. It features some fantastic decorative brass mountings, and was almost certainly made for a well off client. The butt cap is a lovely embossed mask, and there is a lovely foliate brass escutcheon on the back of the grip, which would often be personalized, however this example is blank.

There are markings on the bottom of the breech joint, which are the CROWN / GP "gunmaker's proof" and CROWN / V "viewed" markings from the London Proof house. Between these is a CROWN / TH stamp, probably the initials of the maker, who is unfortunately anonymous. There is also the number 1 stamped on both sides of the breech joint, possibly indicating that the gun was part of a set. The pistol has some line engraving on the flintlock hammer, with some more intricate designs around the breech, and additional foliate engraving on the sides of the brass "boxlock".

The pistol measures 12 1/4 inches in overall length, with a 5 1/4 inch screw off cannon barrel, and in this case it can actually still be easily removed! The pistol has an iron trigger guard, and there is no provision for a ramrod, not needed as it had a removable barrel. The dark English Walnut butt grip is lovely, with a great color and no cracks or other damage that we can see. Condition is very nice, with a lovely patina of age, with the brass showing some fading of the engraving due to years of cleaning. The lock is fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full.

A truly lovely brass flintlock pistol in fine Collector's condition. Ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1780
Bore Diameter: approx. .59"
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 5 1/4 inches
Overall Length: 12 1/4 inches
Action: Flintlock "Boxlock" Top action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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