A fine Queen Anne period 18-bore flintlock holster pistol by Robert Willoughby, Birmingham, featuring a 5.75'' turn-off three-stage cannon barrel and engraved maker’s name under lockplate. Walnut grip with silver wire inlay and silver mounts, including an intricately cast grotesque face-mask butt cap. Lock in good working order.
The pistol shows a Small old repair crack to the front side of the grip, and a larger old repair crack to the other, both are stable and do not affect the operation of the lock, otherwise in good honest condition with a pleasing age patina and crisp engraving. The silver mounts remain intact with light age patina, and the engraved lock displays the crisp, decorative border typical of Willoughby examples.
Overall, an attractive and historically significant early English silver-mounted flintlock, ideal for collectors of 18th-century pistols.
Condition Summary
Action: Good working order; flint and frizzen intact.
Barrel & Locks: Three-stage turn-of
...f'' cannon barrel (a barrel that screws off to load the powder and ball directly into the chamber)— cannon barrel with engraved maker’s name; light patina consistent with age.
Mounts: Silver mounts, including grotesque butt cap, in good condition.
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?R. Willoughby (Robert Willoughby) was a well-known Birmingham gunmaker active in the mid to late 18th century (circa 1740–1785). He is particularly famous for producing high-quality flintlock pistols, including the popular ''Queen Anne'' style pistols.
32cm overall.
Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria, Portobello Road
WE are open every Saturday between 9.30 - 3.30pm in Chelsea Galleries 67 Portobello Road London.
We are at the front of the gallery, on the 1st aisle.
Web page:-
https://peterharrisclocks.com/welcome/
Internal Reference: R7005
Antique ID Number (AIDN): SA1171790
Dateline of this antique is 18th Century
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