What is the difference between flintlock and percussion?

Flintlock arms rely on a flint striking a steel frizzen to generate sparks for ignition, visible in eighteenth-century pieces. Percussion firearms utilise an external hammer striking a primed cap, a nineteenth-century innovation offering greater reliability in wet weather.

How can I identify the period of a piece?

Examine the lock mechanism, stock style, and any visible maker stamps or proof marks stamped into the metal. Matchlock and flintlock mechanisms generally point to the eighteenth century or earlier, while percussion systems and pinfire designs indicate mid-nineteenth-century manufacture.

Were these pieces used in military conflicts?

Many examples on this page served active military roles, ranging from Revolutionary Wars muskets to American Civil War revolvers. Others functioned as civilian pocket pistols, duelling arms, or sporting fowlers for personal protection and hunting.

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Dark Steel Firearm

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Dark Steel Firearm

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These pieces of dark steel antique firearm history span centuries of military and civilian use, offering collectors tangible links to past conflicts and craftsmanship.

18th century

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American Late 18th Century Flintlock Musket/rifle

From Treehouse Antiques

£795

3+ MONTHS AGO

miscellaneous

18th century

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18th C Flintlock Pistol

From Mytton Antiques - Jerrard Nares

£765

3+ MONTHS AGO

miscellaneous

C.1840's French Percussion Carbine with Socket Bayonet

19th century

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C.1840's French Percussion Carbine with Socket Bayonet

From Original Retro

£1,150

3+ MONTHS AGO

miscellaneous

18th century

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Early 18th Century Indian 'Toradar' Matchlock Musket

From Original Retro

£1,250

3+ MONTHS AGO

miscellaneous

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Dark Steel Firearm

American Late 18th Century Flintlock Musket/rifle

18th C Flintlock Pistol

C.1840's French Percussion Carbine with Socket Bayonet

Early 18th Century Indian 'Toradar' Matchlock Musket

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