Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a lovely late 18th Century Flintlock vest pocket pistol, completely unmarked and in lovely condition. It features a lovely .56 caliber barrel 4 inches in length, which is actually seven groove rifled, with a slow rate of twist. Rifled pistols this early are definitely quite rare! The pistol measures only 8" in overall length, perfect for a vest or coat pocket, and it looks to be made in the British style, but there are no markings on the pistol except for W W S / 1864 scratched into the horn butt plate, almost certainly added long after production. The lack of markings instantly makes us think of American production, as they made British style arms, however they did not have any type of proof house in the colonies where they would take guns for inspection. The lock on the gun has a faceted flash pan, with no reinforcement bridle for the frizzen, and a swan-neck cock. The trigger guard is brass, as are the round escutcheons for the lock screws. The butt cap is a lovely piece of horn that has some great color variation.

Overall condition is very good, showing a lovely patina of age, having been cleaned gently over the years. The metalwork shows some evidence of past oxidation, now cleaned away, but no major rust or pitting. The stock does show some signs of past repairs around the lock plate and on the left side of the muzzle, and there is also a crack on the right side running back from the muzzle. We tested the lock, and it is fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full. There is a wooden rod in the ramrod channel, however it looks to be for display only.

A very interesting flintlock pistol, more than ready for further research and display!

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: Circa 1810
Caliber: .56" Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Overall Length: 8 Inches
Barrel Length: 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.