Travelling pistol
Smith
Category
Metalwork
Date
1810
Materials
iron, wood
Measurements
190 mm (Length)
Place of origin
London
Order this imageCollection
Nunnington Hall, North Yorkshire (Accredited Museum)
On show at
Nunnington Hall, North Yorkshire, North, National Trust
NT 980287.2
Summary
One of a pair of high quality English flintlock travelling pistols, c1810, by Smith. Probably William Smith, London (active1771-1820).
Full description
One of a pair of high quality English flintlock travelling pistols, c1810, by Smith. Probably William Smith, London (active1771-1820). Round iron barrel of Damascus twist construction, with flattened top and engraved barrel tang. Bead fore-sight and a raised rear sight. Signed at the breech “London”. Retained to the stock by 1 barrel slide. Wooden ramrod with horn tip and steel worm; the other pistol – ramrod with a brass tip. Barrel length 8.3cm. Calibre 16mm. Walnut full stock with chequered grip, and bag-shaped grip. Engraved steel furniture comprising; trigger guard with pineapple finial, and 1 ramrod pipe. Vacant silver escutcheon. Flintlock of flat form with a stepped tail, engraved and signed “Smith”. Sliding bolt safety catch behind the cock. Anti-friction roller to the frizzen spring. One pistol retaining the original flint and leather packing to the cock; both locks retaining some original colour. Retained to the stock by 1 sidenail. Overall length: 19.5cm
Provenance
Formerly on loan but purchased on 26th September 2008 from Mrs Mary Henry on behalf of the Clive Family.
Marks and inscriptions
Barrel top: London Lockplate: Smith
Makers and roles
Smith
References
Blackmore, 1986: Howard Blackmore: A Dictionary of London Gunmakers 1350-1850