Antique Flintlock Pistols For Sale

An unusual variant of the 1730/1738 Land Pattern Heavy Dragoon Flintlock Pistol. Regimentally marked to top of barrel 1st Regt Dragoon Guards. Barrel is pistol calibre of .56 and has the Kings Proofs together with inspectors mark to tang. It is 10.5” long rather than the normal 12” but shows no signs of being cut down or altered. Iron ramrod. Fullstocked - again with no signs of being cut down or ramrod pipes relocated although there is a small old 1” long spliced repair on right hand side of fore end around forward barrel pin area. It is the original stock with the early Crown over entwined GR storekeepers mark (worn) between thumbpiece and lock. Stock condition is one of the best seen on this age of military pistol. 18” overall length.

The brass regulation mounts consist of 1730 type long-spurred buttcap with the extra concentric ring, 1730 rounded sideplate, 1730 ramrod pipes and thumbpiece which is marked 7 T over No. 8, (pistol number 8 of 7th Troop). The triggerguard is 1738 specification and is original to the pistol as there are no signs of alterations in finial area and the 1730 finial was a different shape (see plates 42 and 43 of British Ordnance Small Arms 1718-1783 by De Witt Bailey).

The flat lock is an interesting variant, perhaps experimental as it has the same patina as the rest of the pistol and fits superbly. It is unlike any English lock with its brass inclined pan yet it does not conform to any Continental lock pattern either in size or style. I have checked Danish, Swedish, German, French and Italian lock styles in numerous reference books but there is nothing like it. The safety/dog lock type flintcock also appears to be unique but again with same patina. Mechanism is excellent and strong.

A superb looking early military pistol marked to one of the most famous British Regiments whose history can be found easily on the internet.

Further research may reveal more answers on this one!  It could be an experimental pattern or modified in period with a bespoke lock on the continent after being captured at one of the 1st Dragoon Guards battles such as Corbach or Warburg in 1760. All possibilities adding to a desirable addition to an early military pistol collection. 

The price includes UK delivery. No licence is required to possess this item in the UK if owned as a curio as part of a collection or display.

An excellent French Flintlock Officers or Holster Pistol, signed 'Antoine Dumarest’, circa 1790. With .69 large bore (same as Charleville musket) 7.25" multi groove rifled Damascus hexagonal swamped barrel with bead foresight and notched rear sight. Barrel is cleaned bright but shows remains of original Damascus finish, superbly executed rifling is very strong and bright indicating little use. Flat lockplate is finely engraved and signed Antione Dumarest with all original lock - flintcock shoulder has been repaired at some stage, border engraved roller frizzen, strong action. All iron mounts consisting of finely engraved tang, buttplate, trigger guard, ramrod pipes, barrel wedge and sideplates. Light Walnut stock in excellent condition showing signs of old refinish with crisp original chequering, vacant silver escutcheon to rear of sideplate. Overall length 13.5".

This pistol has quality mounts which are nearly identical to many examples of early pistols by Nicolas Noel Boutet 1761-1833. Heer Der Neue Stockel only records one Antoine Dumarest  in St. Etienne from 1728-1783. This is probably the father of the gunmaker of this pistol - they are often confused. More accurately, "Le Qui et Qui de l'arme en France de 1350 a 1970" by Jean-Jacques Buigne records the same older Antoine and another Antoine Dumarest born 20 January 1763, died 27 February 1828, who was a Damasquineur. Dumarest was a famous gunmaking family from St. Etienne and the similar period life span of Antoine and Nicolas Boutet has obviously led to very similar styles of pistols in that period. Like all gunmakers, Antoine Dumarest made pistols in varying quality according to price. This is the best I have seen from this maker. 

The price includes UK delivery. No licence is required to possess this item in the UK if owned as a curio as part of a collection or display.

An untouched 'Sleeper' - Early 19th century Flintlock Overcoat Pistol with Belt Hook by J. Harding of Mail Coach pattern either for Inspectors of Mail Coaches or Post Boys. 5.75" smoothbore octagonal 20 bore barrel marked BOROUGH LONDON on top flat. Foliate engraved tang and screw. Stepped bevelled border engraved lock signed HARDING (no other markings visible externally - may be some internally but lock not removed to inspect due to patina) with sliding safety, roller frizzen, excellent action. Brass furniture comprising triggergard and ramrod pipes. Original ramrod. Steel belt hook. Figured full stock with rounded butt. Overall length 11". Excellent condition apart from crack to left side fore end. Lovely patina. Very original and rare to find one with the belt hook and original ramrod.

There are various references to pistols by Harding of this size and style. See "Those Entrusted with Arms" by Frederick Wilkinson, Appendix 4 pages 257-258. The mark of a crown above a broad arrow often appears on barrels and locks of this pattern. However, as Wilkinson states, this " special mark is found on many, but not all, of Harding's coaching weapons". 

A very similar overcoat pistol is in the Postal Museum, exhibit 2009-0060/1 which is attributed to being carried by a Post Boy. See https://www.postalmuseum.org/blog/arming-the-post/  Also see The 89th London Antique Arms Fair Catalogue, Autumn 2012, article pages 48-49 of 'Firearms of the Mail Coach Guards' by F. Wilkinson for more useful information.

James HARDING, Gunmaker, 44 Blackman St., Borough, 1810; 38 Blackman St., 1811-24; 99 Blackman St., 1825-7; 82 Blackman St., 1828-33. Gunmaker to General Post Office (brass barrelled mail coach pistols & blunderbusses); Union Street Police Office, Southwark from 1816. James HARDING & Son Gunmakers, 82 Blackman St., Borough, 1834-6; 265 Borough High St., 1837-8; 246 High St., 1838-43. (Howard L. Blackmore -1986 - Gunmakers Of London, 1350-1850. George Shumway Publisher. USA)

The price includes UK delivery. No licence is required to possess this item in the UK if owned as a curio as part of a collection or display.

A rare variation of a 1796 Heavy Cavalry Dragoon pattern flintlock pistol. 9” round musket bore barrel with Kings proof marks, double line border engraved flat lockplate engraved Tower at the tail, crown GR, border engraved throat hole flintcock. Lock retained by a two side nails. Regulation brass furniture comprising trigger guard, flat scroll side plate and single ramrod pipe. Iron ramrod. Walnut full stock. 15 ½” overall. An unusual variation as the lock is of the 1786 Light Dragoon type with flat lockplate and throat hole cock as opposed to the normal rounded lockplate and swan neck cock. Cleaned overall, stock is in very good condition with old repaired crack in usual place through rear sidenail. Lock and action in excellent condition, barrel has some pitting.

The price includes UK delivery. No licence is required to possess this item in the UK if owned as a curio as part of a collection or display.

An early dated 1786 Regulation Light Dragoon Flintlock Pistol. 15½” overall, 16 bore 9” round barrel with regulation proof marks, border engraved flat lockplate signed Crown over GR, border engraved cock, regulation furniture including lobed butt cap, brass trigger guard, side plate and ramrod pipe. Original ramrod. Stock with marking of Crown over entwined GR and 1786. Also stock makers mark of BW to side plate and an inspectors crown mark near trigger guard. Pan is slightly pitted otherwise very good original metalwork. Excellent lock. Stock has normal handling marks but all original. Period holster in very good unrestored worn condition.  

We sold an identical item a few years ago except stock makers mark was IW and there was an old fore end repair - see previously sold items.

The price includes UK delivery. No licence is required to possess this item in the UK if owned as a curio as part of a collection or display.

A rare Charleville French Sea Service variant of the Model 1763 Flintlock pistol. Distinguished from the M1763 Cavalry pistol as the navy variant has all brass furniture as opposed to the iron furniture of the cavalry variant. Otherwise they are nearly identical. 16.25" long with 9" barrel in same .69 calibre as the Charleville musket. All original regulation brass furniture, original lock signed "Manufacture de Charleville". Wonderful patina with all original screws and very good stock with some handling marks. This one came from a collection where it was noted as being passed down as taken as a prize from a French ship captured at Trafalgar. There was a note to that effect curled in the barrel but paper has disintegrated since being taken out and unfurled. 

See "French Military Weapons 1717-1938" by Major James F Hicks, page 80, illustration page 85, lock illustration page 40. 

The price includes UK delivery.  No licence is required to possess this item in the UK if owned as a curio as part of a collection or display.