What is the difference between flintlock and percussion pistols?

Flintlock pistols rely on a flint striking a steel frizzen to generate sparks into an open pan of powder. This system requires dry conditions and external priming. Percussion pistols use a closed nipple covered by a detonating cap struck directly by the hammer. This innovation improved reliability in wet weather and accelerated loading times.

Were these firearms used in military campaigns?

Many listings include military-issue arms bearing Tower stamps or government inspection marks intended for cavalry, navy, or infantry service. Standard-issue smoothbore and percussion pistols equipped troops throughout the Georgian and Victorian eras. Civilian counterparts, such as pocket and belt pistols, served for personal protection during travel.

What do proof marks tell us about an antique firearm?

Proof marks indicate that a firearm barrel successfully passed regulated pressure testing at an official proof house such as London or Birmingham. These stamps verify the legality and safety standards of the piece at the time of manufacture. Examining these stamps helps confirm the period and place of origin.

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Antique Steel Firearms

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These antique steel firearms span flintlock, percussion, and pinfire mechanisms from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, offering collectors tangible pieces of military and domestic history.

18th century

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Queen Ann Flintlock Pistol

From Sovereign Antiques Of Nuneaton

£695

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

Colt Model 1849 Pocket Revolver – Dated 1861, American Civil War Period

19th century

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Colt Model 1849 Pocket Revolver – Dated 1861, American Civil War Period

From Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria

£1,450

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

18th century

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Miquelet Rifle Late 18th Century

From Sovereign Antiques Of Nuneaton

£1,250

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

Colt Model 1860 Army U.s. Martial Revolver, Serial No. 84685 Matching (C.1862), Almost Certainly Used in the American Civil War.

19th century

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Colt Model 1860 Army U.s. Martial Revolver, Serial No. 84685 Matching (C.1862), Almost Certainly Used in the American Civil War.

From Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria

£2,200

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

19th century

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19th Century Percussion Cavalry Pistol

From Treehouse Antiques

£425

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

19th century

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19th Century Military Percussion Pistol

From Treehouse Antiques

£365

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

Tower Flintlock Newland Service Pistol .64 Cal Muzzleloader

19th century

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Tower Flintlock Newland Service Pistol .64 Cal Muzzleloader

From Sovereign Antiques Of Nuneaton

£2,250

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

18th century

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An 18th Century Flintlock Queen Anne-type Greatcoat Pistol by I Parr, London.

From Sovereign Antiques Of Nuneaton

£975

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

19th century

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19th Century Percussion Belt Pistol

From Treehouse Antiques

£320

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

18th century

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American Late 18th Century Flintlock Musket/rifle

From Treehouse Antiques

£795

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

Listings feature antique steel firearms spanning the 18th and 19th centuries, incorporating walnut, brass, and iron across British, American, European, and Asian origins.

British Tower Flintlock Pistol, C.1770–1815 — Crown/gr & Tower Marked; Lock Stamped “Brasher”, Brass Furniture, Walnut Stock with Period Wear; Flintlock Action in Working Order. A Solid Napoleonic-era Service Pistol.

18th century

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British Tower Flintlock Pistol, C.1770–1815 — Crown/gr & Tower Marked; Lock Stamped “Brasher”, Brass Furniture, Walnut Stock with Period Wear; Flintlock Action in Working Order. A Solid Napoleonic-era Service Pistol.

From Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria

£1,280

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

19th century

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18th Century Percussion Pistol

From Highmeads Antiques

£275

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

A Rare Flintlock Overcoat Pistol for an Inspector of Mail Coaches

19th century

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A Rare Flintlock Overcoat Pistol for an Inspector of Mail Coaches

From Sovereign Antiques Of Nuneaton

£2,000

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

Ottoman Empire, Afghan Snaphaunce Flintlock Long Pistol with Grooved Frizzen and Ball Trigger. Silver Inlay.

19th century

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Ottoman Empire, Afghan Snaphaunce Flintlock Long Pistol with Grooved Frizzen and Ball Trigger. Silver Inlay.

From Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria

£480

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

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Antique Steel Firearms

Queen Ann Flintlock Pistol

Colt Model 1849 Pocket Revolver – Dated 1861, American Civil War Period

Miquelet Rifle Late 18th Century

Colt Model 1860 Army U.s. Martial Revolver, Serial No. 84685 Matching (C.1862), Almost Certainly Used in the American Civil War.

19th Century Percussion Cavalry Pistol

19th Century Military Percussion Pistol

Tower Flintlock Newland Service Pistol .64 Cal Muzzleloader

An 18th Century Flintlock Queen Anne-type Greatcoat Pistol by I Parr, London.

19th Century Percussion Belt Pistol

American Late 18th Century Flintlock Musket/rifle

British Tower Flintlock Pistol, C.1770–1815 — Crown/gr & Tower Marked; Lock Stamped “Brasher”, Brass Furniture, Walnut Stock with Period Wear; Flintlock Action in Working Order. A Solid Napoleonic-era Service Pistol.

18th Century Percussion Pistol

A Rare Flintlock Overcoat Pistol for an Inspector of Mail Coaches

Ottoman Empire, Afghan Snaphaunce Flintlock Long Pistol with Grooved Frizzen and Ball Trigger. Silver Inlay.

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