*British, c1760-1813, Superb Percussion Travelling or Overcoat Pistol with Safety and Spring Bayonet, By Carter of Hull, Obsolete Calibre*
A 19th century percussion travelling or overcoat iron-framed pistol, by Carter of Hull. Pistols such as this were popular for self-protection, and having a short bayonet on the end definitely helped. As it is spring loaded it did not interfere with the concealability of the pistol, and could easily be deployed in an instant. This is a very rare gun to find with with the integral flip bayonet!
3.5in barrel (21cm overall) with bottom mounted spring bayonet and safety backstrap. Indistinctly engraved on the grip in a an oval plate “R. Earsson”, probably the owner. Marked on one side of the lock “Carter” and the obverse “Hull”. Under the barrel beneath the bayonet two Birmingham proof marks. The pistol features a very nice flat sided wooden “bag” style grip, which is very comfortable to hold. Top slide safety. Trigger guard release for undersprung bayonet with a triangular 7cm blade. Bayonet marked “D.L.”
1760-1813 – the most common (private) proof mark encountered on early Birmingham arms is the Crowned P and V within an oval. From 1813 the Birmingham Proof Company was established and the proof marks ‘evolved’ to the Double Crossed Sceptres marked BPC and V respectively.
John Waters is generally credited with the invention of the spring bayonet in 1781 for attaching bayonets to pistols. He worked in Birmingham between 1766 and his death in 1788.
*Condition*
This pistol is in excellent condition with strong action, sliding safety and the spring loaded bayonet is fully functional, locking in place on the muzzle. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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