*British, Early 19th Century, Greatcoat Flintlock Pistol, by Smith of London, Obsolete Calibre*
Flintlock Pistol made by Smith of London. Early 19th Century likely dating from around the time of the Napoleonic Wars. Circa 1795-1815. The top flat is engraved with “London.” The steel lock plate has a stepped edge with sunburst engraving at the rear and is engraved with the maker’s name, “Smith.” This refers to William Smith. The Smith gun-making business in London started with William Smith, who was apprenticed to John Joyner in 1766 and then to William Shepherd in 1771. He was later recorded as a gun lock maker in St James’s in 1792 and St Pancras in 1800. In 1805 he traded as a gunmaker at 34 Tottenham Court Road, moving in 1806 to 2 New Lisle Street. In 1817 William Smith was appointed Gunmaker-in-Ordinary to the Prince Regent, and he moved to 59 Princes Street, Leicester Square. He was first registered in 1820 and became gun maker to his Majesty George IV, H.R.H. the Duke of Gloucester, the Emperor of Russia & the King of Bavaria.
18 Bore, 5″ octagonal browned Damascus smoothbore barrel with front stud sight. Rear blued tang features floral engraving and a V sight. It includes a rear sliding safety, a swan neck cock with floral engraving, and a steel frizzen with a roller ball spring. The polished full wood stock has a checkered grip and a silver octagonal escutcheon. A steel trigger guard with engraved iron mounts including trigger guard decorated with stand of arms on the bow and pineapple finial, and turned ramrod pipe, fitted with a captive swivel ramrod.
*Condition*
Hammer is very stiff and trigger does not move. The gun has a lovely patina and would make a wonderful addition to any collection. It is consistent with its age and life. Overall a very nice example. Please see photographs as this forms part of the report.
RQMCCOXGEO_7864170573
