A fine and original English flintlock pocket pistol by James Barber of London, dating from the mid to late 18th century. The pistol is fitted with a short cannon-form turn-off barrel, finely finished with lathe rings, mounted to a neatly engraved steel action signed BARBER within an ornamental rococo cartouche.
The hardwood stock is elegantly shaped and inlaid throughout with delicate silver wire scrollwork, terminating in a scroll butt characteristic of Georgian pocket pistols. The steel tang and breech are engraved en suite, and the pistol retains its original trigger and guard. The flintlock action is well formed and typical of quality London manufacture of the period.
A compact and attractive civilian sidearm, intended for discreet personal defence, displaying refined workmanship and pleasing proportions.
Overall length: 19 cm
Condition: Good antique condition, with expected surface wear and patination consistent with age; engraving and silver wire inlay clearly visible
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Provenance
This finely made pocket pistol is a characteristic example of mid-Georgian London craftsmanship by James Barber, a documented London gunmaker active during the third quarter of the 18th century. Barber is recorded producing quality civilian pistols for the London market, and signed examples with silver wire–inlaid stocks are particularly sought after.
The present pistol displays all the hallmarks of genuine London manufacture of the period, including a cannon-form turn-off barrel, delicately engraved steel furniture, and original silver wire inlay to the grip. Pocket pistols of this type were fashionable personal defence arms carried discreetly by gentlemen and travellers, and comparatively few survive today in such honest, unaltered condition.
Examples by named London makers such as Barber were produced in limited numbers and are increasingly scarce, making this pistol a desirable acquisition for collectors of 18th-century English firearms.
Origin: London, England
Date: Circa 1750–1785
Overall length 19cm
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: 712/5-2
Antique ID Number (AIDN): SA1188543
Dateline of this antique is 18th Century
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