Lot Essay
For a similar pistol in the Royal Armouries, Leeds (inv. no. XII. 1681) see David Blackmore, Arms & Armour of the English Civil Wars, p. 47, fig. 63
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SECOND QUARTER OF THE 17TH CENTURY
Details
A Very Rare 26-Bore 'English-Lock' Military Pistol
Second quarter of the 17th Century
With 15¼in. (38.7cm.) two-stage barrel, the breech section octagonal then polygonal and struck with indistinct marks, probably 'CB' crowned, and a crowned rose, flat lock secured by three side-nails and with buffer, dog safety-catch, separate pan, and bridle to the steel-spring, walnut full stock (fore-end partly replaced), iron mounts, later single ramrod-pipe, and later ramrod, the trigger working on a pin above the tail of the lock-plate
23½in. (59.7cm.)
Second quarter of the 17th Century
With 15¼in. (38.7cm.) two-stage barrel, the breech section octagonal then polygonal and struck with indistinct marks, probably 'CB' crowned, and a crowned rose, flat lock secured by three side-nails and with buffer, dog safety-catch, separate pan, and bridle to the steel-spring, walnut full stock (fore-end partly replaced), iron mounts, later single ramrod-pipe, and later ramrod, the trigger working on a pin above the tail of the lock-plate
23½in. (59.7cm.)
Literature
W. Keith Neal and D.H.L. Back, Great British Gunmakers 1540-1740, pp. 83-4, plate 17a, b (dated by the authors to circa 1635)
Special notice
VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price plus buyer's premium.