Flintlock pistol
Category
Arms and armour
Date
circa 1730 - circa 1760
Materials
iron, wood
Order this imageCollection
Ormesby Hall, Redcar and Cleveland (Accredited Museum)
NT 709430.1
Summary
One of a pair of silver mounted flintlock holster pistols by Theophilus Clemmes of London, c1750.
Full description
One of a pair of silver mounted flintlock holster pistols by Theophilus Clemmes, London. The stocks and barrels reflect the style of English gunmaking of the c1720s and the silver mounts are dated 1723. The locks stylistically date to a later period and are signed Clemmes. Theophilus Clemmes is recorded working in Shug Lane, London from c1750s to 1789. The iron barrel formed in 3 stages, octagonal at the breech, becoming sixteen sided, then round to the muzzle, the stages separated by 2 turned mouldings. The breech struck with London Gunmakers Company proof marks (faint) and a makers mark IS. Secured to the stock by 2 barrel pins. Length 25.5cm. Calibre 11mm. Walnut full stock, carved in raised profile around the silver mounts. The pommel of bulbous form. Engraved silver furniture stamped with the date letter H for 1724, the makers mark HE, a lions head (London) and Britainia silver mark - comprising; spurred pommel cap with grotesque mask, trigger guard with acanthus finial, pierced ribbon-like side-plate, escutcheon engraved with the Pennyman family Crest, and 2 baluster form ramrod pipes. Trigger with scroll tip. Flintlock with flat engraved plate signed CLEMMES. Sliding bolt safety catch behind cock. Retained to the stock by 2 side-nails. Overall length: 43cm
Provenance
Pennyman collection devised in October 1961 to The National Trust under the terms of Col. J.B.W. Pennyman's will.
Marks and inscriptions
Lockplate: CLEMMES Barrel breech: London Gunmakers Company proof marks GP and V Barrel breech: I.S.
References
Blackmore, 1986: Howard Blackmore: A Dictionary of London Gunmakers 1350-1850