Original Item: One of a Kind. This Late 18th Century British-Style Swivel Breech Double-Barrel Flintlock Pistol is a truly splendid example of a late 18th century European double-barreled “over & under” flintlock pistol, featuring a highly desirable swivel, or “turn-over,” breech design. This ingenious mechanism allows a single lock to alternately fire each barrel, a feature typically encountered only on more refined and higher-end examples of the period.

Both barrels measure approximately 4 inches in length and are of attractive two-stage “cannon” form, in an estimated .42 caliber. The pistol measures 10 3/8 inches overall, presenting with a pleasing, untouched patina consistent with age.

We have carefully inspected the pistol and were unable to locate any visible maker’s marks. This is not uncommon for the type—many such pistols were bespoke or privately commissioned pieces, and markings were sometimes omitted entirely. It is also possible that any original markings have been softened or lost due to age and oxidation. The lack of proof marks indicates that it was of Continental European manufacture in the British style. 

The overall form, construction, and mechanical design are entirely consistent with late 18th century English or Continental production, and the swivel breech mechanism remains one of the most attractive and mechanically sophisticated features found on flintlock pistols of the era.

Being handmade and usually custom, there is always a good deal variation in how a "turn-over" gun is designed. The pistol has a swivel behind the barrel assembly, which is unlocked by pulling the front of the trigger guard back. This allows the barrel assembly to turn clockwise until it locks into the position for the other barrel. As this is a flintlock pistol, the lock is a "back action", though it is made to look like a side action, and there is a frizzen, spring, and pan for each barrel. The lock design has a faceted pan and no frizzen reinforcement bridle, so we it is definitely an early design, also indicated by the "Swan Neck" cock, done away with early in the 19th century. The pistol grip is British style, with a brass "long eared" butt cap.

Condition is very good considering the age and amount of use that the pistol probably saw. Looking inside the barrels shows quite a bit of past fouling and oxidation, and the frizzens are quite worn, both indicative of heavy use. In spite of this it is still mostly mechanically sound, with the swivel mechanism working correctly, and the lock still functioning, though it does not hold at half cock.

A great pistol that would be welcome in any antique arms collection. Ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1780-1800
Bore Diameter: approx. .42" - Two Barrels
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 4 inches
Overall Length: 10 3/8 inches
Action: Flintlock back 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.