Original Item: Only One Available. John Richards started with a shop in the Strand in London, followed by a Shop in the Midlands city of Birmingham 1745 and the business continued for two generations until 1810. This fine example of his early work is a very nice Officer's or Gentleman's pistol, fitted with a 7" iron barrel and 11 1/2" in overall length. All of the fittings are silver, and it really is quite attractive. The lock is marked RICHARDS under the pan, and the barrel has the Crown / P and Crown / V London proof marks, signifying "proved" and "viewed".

There is no bridle on the powder pan, indicating early production, certainly pre-revolutionary war. Most likely it was made during the French and Indian war period 1756-1763. The pistol is full stocked in walnut, with high quality silver mounts showing military themes, and a grotesque mask on the butt cap. It still retains its original horn tipped ramrod with the screw charge extractor on the end. The lock functions correctly, holding at half cock, and firing at full.

Straight out of a fabulous collection, this is an untouched gem! Ready to display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1756 - 1763
Caliber: 0.63" pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 7  inches
Overall Length: 11 1/2 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 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.