How were pocket pistols carried?

Civilians carried smaller pocket and muff variants within tailored coat pockets or travelling bags for immediate personal protection during journeys. Larger overcoat pistols served travellers who needed heavier firepower against highwaymen along isolated rural routes.

What is a holster pistol?

Holster pistols were military and civilian horse pistols designed to slide directly into leather saddle holsters on either side of a horse's neck. These weapons featured longer barrels and heavier bores to provide stopping power for cavalry units and mounted travellers.

How do I identify a military issue pistol?

Military arms often display government ownership stamps, such as crown inspection marks or Tower Arsenal markings on the lock plate and woodwork. They lack the elaborate silver wire inlay or fine relief carving found on high-end civilian or presentation pieces.

What is the Queen Anne style?

The Queen Anne style defines a distinctive form featuring an action and trigger guard forged in one piece with the breech, combined with a turn-off barrel. These pieces typically display a rounded or grotesque mask butt cap cast in brass or silver.