Original British Over and Under Flintlock Double Barrel Tap Action Pistol by John Bass of London - circa 1790

Original Item: One of a Kind. Just acquired from a recent antique gun show, this is a very nice British over and under pistol with turn off barrels for loading. On the left side there is a switch so one can decide which barrel will discharge. The pan has a rolling compartment each to serve one of the barrels so effectively the shooter has a second shot at his disposal directly after the first barrel has been fired. They would also choose to fire both at the same time. This type of mechanism is known as a "tap action," and while most were 2 barrel, there were even examples made with 3 or 4 barrels. There is also a slide safety mechanism rear of the hammer, which locks the pan closed until the hammer is fully cocked.

The the barrels are most likely forged steel, while the box lock action is cast iron, and is fitted with a very nice flat sided walnut grip which shows some great "flame" figuring. The left side of the box lock is marked BASS and the other side is marked LONDON, for maker John Bass of London. The second half of Twigg & Bass, John Bass went independent following the death of his partner and uncle, John Twigg, running his own shop in London from 1790 to his death in 1794. This pistol was most likely made circa 1790 and would have been perfect for an overcoat pocket for self defense or for a serving Officer to carry concealed in case of emergency.

The weapon measures 8 1/4" in overall length with a screw off 2 7/8" smoothbore barrels, which are in good shape, still showing the usual wear and oxidation on the interior. As a real rarity, both still unscrew correctly for loading! The bottom of the tap action is marked twice with the CROWN / GP "Gunmakers" black powder proof from the London Gun Company proof house. The barrels and frame are also marked with matching numbers 2 and 3 on the left side.

The action is functional, though it does not hold very strongly at half cock, probably because it does have a functional half cock safety. The tap action moves correctly, as does the safety, making this a really nice example. Condition is overall very good, with a great aged look to the iron and steel components. The engraved stands of arms on the sides of the "box lock" are well-retained, as are the other engraved areas on the pistol. The trip is lovely, with some great chatoyancy to the flame figuring, though we can see that there is a repaired crack / chunk on the let side of the grip where it meets the receiver.

A lovely circa 11790 tap action pistol, ready to research and display!

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: circa 1790
Caliber: about .43" Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 2 7/8 inches
Overall Length: 8 1/4 inches
Action: Flintlock Top Action with Pan Tap
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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