Original 18th Century Queen Anne Marked British Flintlock Pistol by John Brush - Dated 1710

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very rare example of a British Iron Barreled Holster pistol, as used during the early 18th Century. The lock is maker marked I. / BRUSH / 10 on the tail of the lock, indicating production in 1710 by London gunmaker John Brush (at the time I would be substituted for the letter J to "Latinize" the name). This maker has a rather interesting history, having joined the Gunmaker's company of London in 1699, after which they became a Military Contractor from 1703-1715, roughly the reign of Queen Anne. They then moved to Williamsburg in the American Colony of Virginia in 1717, having been enticed to move by being offered land on which to build a house, among other incentives. He worked there repairing "All arms in the publik magazine." and building parts until his passing in 1727. Definitely some fantastic history to this maker!

This fine example measures 17 inches in overall length, and is fitted with a very nice 11 inch barrel with a bore of about .60", which is faceted on the top to look octagonal. The pistol has a round-faced curved lock plate with a single screw behind the cock, indicating an early sear design. It also does not have any reinforcement bridle going from the pan to the frizzen. The butt plate, trigger guard, and lock screw escutcheons are all of brass, as are the ramrod pipes. The lock is further marked with royal cypher CROWN / AR, for "Anne Regina", or Queen Anne, who ruled between 1702 until 1714, being the last of the House of Stuart. The top of the barrel is marked with a CROWN / AR / Broad Arrow marking, over what looks to be a Crown over a five-petaled flower, possibly a rose.

The pistol is in great shape, especially considering the age, with a fantastic patina of age. We can see some past peppering that has been removed, but it was done so long ago, and gently, avoiding changing the geometry of the fittings. We checked the lock action, and it is fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full.

A lovely example of an extremely rare pistol, made by a maker with a Colonial American history, before he crossed the sea. All arms from the time of Queen Anne are rare due to her relatively short reign, after which followed the Georgian Age. Ready to research and display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: 1710
Caliber: .60" Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 11 inches
Overall Length: 17 inches
Action: Flintlock Side Action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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