BY JAMES FREEMAN, LONDON, CIRCA 1725

Details

A Very Rare 20-Bore Break-Action Breech-Loading Flintlock Pistol
By James Freeman, London, circa 1725
With tip-up cannon barrel released by backward pressure on the sliding trigger-guard and signed within a foliate loop on the upper side of the breech, later reloadable iron cartridge, engraved grooved tang, rounded border engraved back-action lock signed in a cartouche, the pan with automatic priming magazine fitted with sprung engraved hinged cover, moulded figured walnut butt (minor defects) carved in relief with acanthus foliage at the barrel tang, engraved iron side-plate extended to form a plate matching the form of the front of the lock, engraved spring-loaded iron trigger-guard, and cast and chased silver escutcheon and spurred pommel, the latter with associated(?) grotesque mask cap, London proof marks
15¾in. (40cm.)

Special notice

VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price plus buyer's premium.

Lot Essay

James Paul Freeman was admitted to the freedom of the Gunmakers' Company on 5 July 1716, and in the same year took over the premises in St. Martin's Lane previously occupied by Andrew Dolep. He was Master in 1732. Both he and his son, James, are noted for their breech-loading pistols

A similar pistol (by James Freeman, Jr.) is illustrated in Neal and Back, Great British Gunmakers 1540-1740, plates 183 a, b. The present pistol was presumably acquired after the date of publication (1984)

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