Original Items: One-of-a-kind. This is an exceptionally rare form we have encountered only a handful of times in our decades of operation—a flintlock volley pistol. This remarkable antique firearm is designed to discharge four projectiles simultaneously from a single charge, delivering devastating close-range firepower.

Intended for close-quarters combat and anti-mutiny use aboard ship, such pistols were built to overwhelm multiple attackers in an instant. While the shot spread is not as pronounced as that of a “Duck’s Foot” pistol, it remains highly effective—more than capable of “clearing the deck,” as it was originally intended.

This engraved example is marked on the lock with HUNT in a banner, and there is LONDON in a banner on top of the barrel breech. London maker Joseph Hunt is known to have operated his shop during the 1767-1774 period, and was a very well-regarded maker, having shared some contracts with the famous Durs Egg. Hunt also had some patented designs, and all of his work was very well made.

The pistol features an iron lock, trigger, and barrel tang, however the barrel and all of the fittings are made from tutenag/paktong, an early cupronickel alloy similar to German silver. The barrel assembly is a "turn off" type, so it can be moved for reloading and to fill the relatively long ignition chamber with powder. It has a lovely walnut stock that terminates at the barrel joint, which looks to be made of walnut and has a lovely "scallop" finial carved around the barrel tang. The "long eared" butt cap, side plate, trigger guard, and grip escutcheon all have lovely engraved designs, and there is additionally a lovely acorn finial on the front of the trigger guard. The lock is also heavily engraved, however past oxidation and cleaning have made it faint.

The upper left facet of the barrel is stamped with the CROWN / GP "gunmaker's proof" and CROWN / V "viewed" markings from the London Gun Company Proof house. The next facet to the left bears two CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS markings, for Pre-1813 inspection at the Ordnance Proof house on Tower Wharf close to the Tower of London. This mark was only used on "private" arms, not military issued examples, and is completely correct for this weapon.

The pistol measures 12 3/4 inches in overall length, and the barrel section of the screw off assembly is 4 inches long. Each barrel has a bore of approximately 0.39", though there is some irregularity at the muzzle from wear and age. We checked the lock, and it is fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full. It additionally has a functional half-cock safety, which prevents movement in either direction until released. Overall condition is really very good, with the tutenag alloy having a lovely matured color, showing some oxidation in the recessed areas. The barrel unscrews easily, and we can see that there is a good amount of past fouling inside the chamber area. The stock is in very good shape, with the main discrepancy being some cracks and repairs around the lock plate mortise / inlet. This is extremely common, and we can also see what looks to be some filled in areas around the tang of the trigger guard.

A fantastic example of a very rare British volley pistol, more than ready to become part of your collection!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1770
Bore Diameter: approx. .39" - Four Barrels
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 4 inches
Overall Length: 12 3/4 inches
Action: Flintlock Side Action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.