Original Early 19th Century U.S. Rifled Flintlock Vest Pocket Pistol with Horn Butt Cap Circa 1810 - Unmarked

Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a lovely late 18th Century Flintlock vest pocket pistol, completely unmarked and in lovely condition. It features a lovely .56 caliber barrel 4 inches in length, which is actually seven groove rifled, with a slow rate of twist. Rifled pistols this early are definitely quite rare! The pistol measures only 8" in overall length, perfect for a vest or coat pocket, and it looks to be made in the British style, but there are no markings on the pistol except for W W S / 1864 scratched into the horn butt plate, almost certainly added long after production. The lack of markings instantly makes us think of American production, as they made British style arms, however they did not have any type of proof house in the colonies where they would take guns for inspection. The lock on the gun has a faceted flash pan, with no reinforcement bridle for the frizzen, and a swan-neck cock. The trigger guard is brass, as are the round escutcheons for the lock screws. The butt cap is a lovely piece of horn that has some great color variation.

Overall condition is very good, showing a lovely patina of age, having been cleaned gently over the years. The metalwork shows some evidence of past oxidation, now cleaned away, but no major rust or pitting. The stock does show some signs of past repairs around the lock plate and on the left side of the muzzle, and there is also a crack on the right side running back from the muzzle. We tested the lock, and it is fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full. There is a wooden rod in the ramrod channel, however it looks to be for display only.

A very interesting flintlock pistol, more than ready for further research and display!

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: Circa 1810
Caliber: .56" Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Overall Length: 8 Inches
Barrel Length: 4 Inches
Action: Flintlock Side Action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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