Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria has dated this Irish Silver Flintlock Pistol to the 18th Century.
Beneath the chiselled steel-spring the lock is signed “T Hughes”. The border-engraved steel tang is decorated with foliate ornament and affixed by a screw immediately behind the finial extending over the breech. The walnut stock is moulded and figured, the swelling butt carved in relief with foliage around the tang. Cast and chased silver-mounted furniture includes a pierced foliage side-plate, vacant foliate escutcheon and a grotesque-mask butt-cap; steel ramrod-pipes and a later bone-tipped ramrod complete the piece. Some old wear, patination and rusting to the metalwork consistent with age; cock and steel possibly later replacements. Overall a handsome example of an Irish luxury flintlock pistol of the Georgian era, suitable for the display collector of fine arms, British/Irish militaria or decorative furniture.

Condition Note:
Metal surfaces show age-typical patina with moderate corrosion/rust in places; barrel bore state should be assumed unrestored and not guaranteed to fire safely. Stock exhibits shrinkage and minor splitting as expected of 250-plus years of residence; silver mounts remain firmly attached with good detail to the foliate work and mask but retain a mellow tarnish. The action is in working order —please view all images and ask for further detailed photographs or inspection if required.
Timothy Hughes is recorded in Cork between 1737 and 1783. See Stroud 2023, pp. 69-70.
Overall length 32cm
Weight 728 grams
Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria has dated this Irish Silver Flintlock Pistol to the 18th Century.
We specialise in flintlock pistols, muskets, clocks & watches
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