Original 18th Century English Queen Anne Flintlock Pistol by Fletcher with Turn-Off Barrel and Grotesque Butt Cap - Circa 1780

Original Item: Only one available. This is a very rare "Queen Anne" style pistol with a brass frame and turn-off barrel, marked FLETCHER on the top of the barrel tang. There were multiple different gunmakers in the London area with the surname Fletcher, so unfortunately we are not able to definitively tell which one is the maker. The pistol features some fantastic decorative silver mountings, and was almost certainly made for a well off client. The butt cap is a lovely embossed silver grotesque mask, and there is a perforated silver side plate showing lovely foliate motifs. There is even a lovely foliate silver 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. These are under the trigger guard and can only be seen by taking out the rear screw and moving the guard out of the way. Between these is a CROWN / F stamp, probably for "Fletcher". The pistol has some floral engraving on the flintlock hammer, with some more intricate designs around the breech, extending to all facets of the lock / frame.

The pistol measures 11 1/2 inches in overall length, with a 5 inch screw off 0.65" bore cannon barrel, in the typical "Queen Anne" style, 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 English Walnut butt grip is lovely, and has some carving around the barrel tang, which shows a seashell design. The wood color is truly lovely, with what looks to almost be "burl" grain patterns, though there is a replaced chunk on the left side by the barrel, as well as some cracking in that area.

Condition is very nice, with a lovely patina of age, with the iron and steel showing a lovely lightly oxidized patina, with the engraving still mostly crisp. The silver mountings are all still in great shape, and really add to the piece. The lock is fully functional, holding at half cock and firing only at full.

A truly lovely silver mounted "Queen Anne" flintlock pistol by a known London maker, in fine Collector's condition ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1780
Bore Diameter: approx. .63"
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 5 inches
Overall Length: 11 1/2 inches
Action: Flintlock Side Action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.