Original British 19th Century Flintlock Holster Pistol by Richards of London - Circa 1810

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely British Flintlock "Holster" Pistol, marked on the lock with RICHARDS, though unfortunately the marking is worn, so we cannot see any initials before the name. There were various makers with the last name "Richards" working in London during the early 19th century, including John Richards, William Richards, Theophilus Richards, and others. Many of these were related and worked in various partnerships over the years, so needless to say, this was a well-known and respected name in the London gun trade.

The pistol measures 13 5/8 inches in overall length, and is fitted with a lovely 8 inch long round barre with a bore of about 0.63", about typical for the time. There was originally engraving around the breech end of the barrel and elsewhere, however it is now quite worn, along with any other marks that were present on the barrel. With all brass fittings including an escutcheon on the back of the wrist, this pistol is very typical of those carried during the early 19th century in England.

The top of the barrel is definitely worn, but we can still see the traces of the London proof marks: the CROWN / GP "Gunmakers" black powder proof and CROWN / V "viewed" marking from the London Gun Company proof house. The lock is an early design, without a frizzen reinforcement bridle and featuring a lovely "Swan Neck" cocking piece. We checked the lock action, and it is fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full, however overall the action is a bit slow due to internal wear.

The pistol is full-stocked, with lovely engraved brass fittings and an round brass escutcheon on the back of the grip. The butt plate has some lovely engravings as well, matching the design on the other fittings. The stock is lovely, looking to have some curl to the grain, which was at some point finished with very dark lacquer, now mostly cleaned away. There is a wooden ramrod under the barrel, which looks to be a display replacement.

A lovely holster pistol by a famous family of London gunmakers, ready to research and display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1810
Caliber: 0.63" pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 8 inches
Overall Length: 13 5/8 inches
Action: Flintlock Side Action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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