What is the difference between flintlock and percussion pistols?

Flintlock pistols rely on a flint striking a steel frizzen to produce a spark for ignition. Percussion pistols utilise an external hammer striking a detonating cap placed on a nipple. The percussion system emerged later, offering faster and more reliable ignition in damp weather compared to the older flintlock mechanism.

How do I identify a pocket pistol?

Pocket pistols feature short barrels and compact grips designed to be concealed easily in a coat or muff. Many examples omit protruding sights to prevent snagging when drawn quickly. These pieces were carried by travellers and civilians for personal defence during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

Were these pistols used in the military?

Military issue pieces, such as cavalry holster pistols and Tower-stamped arms, were standardised for distribution to troops. They typically feature robust steel and brass construction designed for harsh service conditions. Private officers purchased their own sidearms separately, often opting for finer finishes and higher-grade walnut stocks than standard regulation issues.

Why is walnut preferred for these stocks?

Walnut offers an ideal balance of strength, shock absorption, and weight. Its tight grain prevents splitting under the heavy recoil of gunpowder discharge. Gunsmiths also prized the timber for its rich natural colour and decorative figure, which could be polished to a high lustre.

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Antique Walnut Pistol

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When you handle an antique walnut pistol, you hold a piece of history fashioned from dark, figured timber and forged steel.

Victorian Era Double Barrel Rimfire Pistol

19th century

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Victorian Era Double Barrel Rimfire Pistol

From Treehouse Antiques

£275

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

18th century

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18th Century Twigg, London Flintlock Pocket Pistol with Cannon Barrel (Queen Anne Type).

From Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria

£650

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

1796 Pattern Light Cavalry Flintlock Pistol by Henry Nock – 12 Bore, Regulation Military Example.

18th century

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1796 Pattern Light Cavalry Flintlock Pistol by Henry Nock – 12 Bore, Regulation Military Example.

From Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria

£1,850

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

Fine Pair of Mortimer Percussion Pistols

19th century

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Fine Pair of Mortimer Percussion Pistols

From Hansord Antiques

£2,980

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

Pepperbox Pistol, J.r. Cooper’s Patent. A Six-shot Percussion Pepperbox Pistol, Birmingham Proofed, Circa 1839

19th century

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Pepperbox Pistol, J.r. Cooper’s Patent. A Six-shot Percussion Pepperbox Pistol, Birmingham Proofed, Circa 1839

From Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria

£850

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

19th century

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Beaumont-adams Revolver .442 Boxed

From Sovereign Antiques Of Nuneaton

£1,475

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

18th century

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British Flintlock Cavalry Holster Pistol by T. Potts, London, Late 18th Century with London Proofs

From Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria

£1,550

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

Flintlock Brass Cannon Barrel Overcoat Pistol

18th century

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Flintlock Brass Cannon Barrel Overcoat Pistol

From Sovereign Antiques Of Nuneaton

£745

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

19th century

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Pistol Percushion Tower 1853

From Sovereign Antiques Of Nuneaton

£975

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

18th century

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Rare Small French Flintlock 40-Bore Travelling / Muff Pistol, Mid-18th Century, Silver Wire Inlay.

From Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria

£1,250

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

Listings span multiple centuries, incorporating materials such as walnut wood, steel, brass, iron, and silver wire across various flintlock and percussion forms.

British Army Officer's Smoothbore Percussion Pistol, 1850

19th century

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British Army Officer's Smoothbore Percussion Pistol, 1850

From Sovereign Antiques Of Nuneaton

£695

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

English Flintlock Pocket Pistol, James Barber, London. Silver Wire Inlaid. Circa 1760–1780, in the Queen Anne Style with Canon Barrel.

18th century

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English Flintlock Pocket Pistol, James Barber, London. Silver Wire Inlaid. Circa 1760–1780, in the Queen Anne Style with Canon Barrel.

From Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria

£1,250

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

Colt Model 1860 Army .44 Calibre Percussion Revolver, U.s. Martial Issue (Civil War Period)

19th century

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Colt Model 1860 Army .44 Calibre Percussion Revolver, U.s. Martial Issue (Civil War Period)

From Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria

£3,500

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

Rare Adams Large-bore Model 1851 Solid-frame Percussion Revolverby Deane, Adams & Deane, 30 King William Street, London Bridgeengland, Circa 1851–1854

19th century

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Rare Adams Large-bore Model 1851 Solid-frame Percussion Revolverby Deane, Adams & Deane, 30 King William Street, London Bridgeengland, Circa 1851–1854

From Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria

£1,850

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

Belgian Flintlock Sea Service Pistol in Untouched Condition, C.1800

19th century

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Belgian Flintlock Sea Service Pistol in Untouched Condition, C.1800

From Salisbury Antiques Centre

£580

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

Pair of Flintlock Dueling Pistols Circa 1800-1820

19th century

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Pair of Flintlock Dueling Pistols Circa 1800-1820

From Treehouse Antiques

£1,195

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

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Antique Walnut Pistol

Victorian Era Double Barrel Rimfire Pistol

18th Century Twigg, London Flintlock Pocket Pistol with Cannon Barrel (Queen Anne Type).

1796 Pattern Light Cavalry Flintlock Pistol by Henry Nock – 12 Bore, Regulation Military Example.

Fine Pair of Mortimer Percussion Pistols

Pepperbox Pistol, J.r. Cooper’s Patent. A Six-shot Percussion Pepperbox Pistol, Birmingham Proofed, Circa 1839

Beaumont-adams Revolver .442 Boxed

British Flintlock Cavalry Holster Pistol by T. Potts, London, Late 18th Century with London Proofs

Flintlock Brass Cannon Barrel Overcoat Pistol

Pistol Percushion Tower 1853

Rare Small French Flintlock 40-Bore Travelling / Muff Pistol, Mid-18th Century, Silver Wire Inlay.

British Army Officer's Smoothbore Percussion Pistol, 1850

English Flintlock Pocket Pistol, James Barber, London. Silver Wire Inlaid. Circa 1760–1780, in the Queen Anne Style with Canon Barrel.

Colt Model 1860 Army .44 Calibre Percussion Revolver, U.s. Martial Issue (Civil War Period)

Rare Adams Large-bore Model 1851 Solid-frame Percussion Revolverby Deane, Adams & Deane, 30 King William Street, London Bridgeengland, Circa 1851–1854

Belgian Flintlock Sea Service Pistol in Untouched Condition, C.1800

Pair of Flintlock Dueling Pistols Circa 1800-1820

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