*British, Early 19th Century, Double-Barrelled Boxlock Pocket Flintlock Pistol with Lion Mask Butt Cap, Obsolete Calibre*
An early 19th century British double-barrelled boxlock pocket flintlock pistol of compact and well-balanced form, measuring approximately 16cm overall with twin 6cm barrels.
The pistol is fitted with side-by-side barrels of octagonal-to-round profile, retaining a bright finish with light age-related marking. The breech and action body are engraved with flowing foliate scrollwork to both sides, together with engraved decoration to the top tang. The boxlock mechanism incorporates twin independent cocks, frizzens and pans, allowing each barrel to be fired separately. Two triggers are mounted within a single oval trigger guard, corresponding to each barrel in the traditional manner. The walnut grip is of slab-sided form with pleasing dark patina and attractive figuring. A vacant silver escutcheon is inset to one side. The butt terminates in a cast silver lion mask cap, crisply detailed and very much in keeping with Regency period taste. Both cocks hold at full cock and release correctly. The pistol dry fires on both barrels.
Approx. Measurements – Barrel length: 6 cm each. Overall length: 16 cm.
Historical Note:
Double-barrelled boxlock pocket pistols were widely produced in Britain between circa 1790 and 1830, most commonly within the Birmingham gun trade. Compact and easily concealed, they were designed for discreet personal defence and were typically carried in a gentleman’s coat pocket, travelling case or a lady’s muff during a period when highway robbery and urban crime were genuine concerns. The twin-barrel configuration offered the important advantage of a rapid second shot without reloading — a meaningful benefit in an era when firearms were otherwise single-discharge weapons. Their boxlock construction allowed the mechanism to be housed neatly within the frame, creating a strong, compact and economical design well suited to pocket arms.
Decorative features such as silver lion mask butt caps were particularly fashionable during the late Georgian and Regency periods, reflecting contemporary taste and adding refinement to otherwise practical defensive weapons. The overall form, engraving style and mountings seen here are strongly characteristic of British production of the period, most likely from the Birmingham trade.
Unmarked examples such as this were commonly trade-produced pieces supplied either directly to retailers or sold without specific maker inscription, a standard practice within the British gunmaking industry at the time.
*Condition*
Restored condition. The metal surfaces have been cleaned to a bright finish and show scattered light pitting and surface marking consistent with age and use. Engraving remains visible though softened in places. The walnut grip is sound with good colour and no visible structural cracks. Minor surface wear commensurate with age. The silver lion mask butt cap shows age-related wear and light surface marks but retains good definition. Both actions cock and hold correctly at full cock and release as intended. Flint pads are present. Obsolete calibre under current UK legislation. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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