A regulation 1796 Pattern Light Cavalry flintlock pistol by Henry Nock, one of the foremost London gunmakers of the late 18th century and a principal contractor to the Board of Ordnance during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.
Henry Nock (1741–1804) was appointed Gunmaker-in-Ordinary to King George III and is best remembered for his innovative volley gun and for supplying large quantities of regulation arms to British forces. His name is consistently associated with quality military production of the period.
This example conforms to the 1796 Light Cavalry pattern:
12 bore, 9 inch smoothbore barrel
Breech with clear crowned proof marks
Military lock with line border engraving, signed “H. Nock”
Correct swan-neck cock
Steel frizzen and spring
Brass trigger guard, side plate and ramrod pipe
Full walnut stock with flat-sided grip
The barrel retains honest age patina with visible proof marks and no signs of modern refinishing. The lock is in good wor
...king order with strong action and consistent wear throughout.
The stock shows an old, well-aged crack repair above the lock, tight and stable, together with minor age-related marks consistent with service use. There is also an old repair at the fore-end near the barrel end, again stable and sympathetically aged. These are typical service-period repairs seen on cavalry pistols and do not detract from the overall integrity of the piece. Possibly a correct type, replacement ramrod.
An increasingly difficult to find, honest regulation example by one of Britain’s most respected military contractors of the period. A strong collector’s piece with excellent historical association.
Measurements
Overall length 37cm
Barrel 9'' (23cm)
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/
Antique ID Number (AIDN): SA1198947
Dateline of this antique is 18th Century
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