*Early 18th Century Flintlock Muff Pistol with Bayonet, by Ketland & Co, London*
This is a lovely example of a ladies Flintlock Muff Pistol engraved with ‘Ketland & Co’ on one side of the brass lock plate and ‘London’ on the other. The brass barrel is also engraved with two proof marks underneath the bayonet, the early Birmingham crowned P and V marks within an oval. It has a “boxlock” action – a flintlock ignition system, which was a common method of firearm ignition during that time. The flintlock mechanism operates by striking a flint against a steel frizzen to create sparks that ignite the gunpowder in the pan, subsequently firing the pistol. This system was reliable and widely used until the introduction of more advanced ignition systems later in the 19th century. The gun has a strong action and cocks at the half and full position. It has a flared and grooved muzzle and a walnut handle.
The muff pistol’s compact design – 215mm – made it ideal for discreet carry, often hidden within a lady’s muff, a cylindrical hand-warmer accessory popular in colder climates. The inclusion of a bayonet on this particular model is interesting since it provided an additional self-defense option.
Thomas Ketland & Co. was a firearms manufacturer founded in Birmingham, England c. 1760. Thomas Ketland Senior, was a highly successful Birmingham gun maker. He started his business around 1760 and expanded into the export market around 1790, establishing outlets in both London and Philadelphia. He died in 1816. The business carried on until bankruptcy in 1821. The company manufactured flintlock pistols, becoming quite successful in its field. Ketlands appear to have produced a huge quantity of firearms over the period 1766-1810, well before the opening of the Birmingham Proof Company House in 1813. There is still a great deal of information to be uncovered about early proof marks in Birmingham, prior to the establishment of the 1813 proof house in Banbury Street. The most common proof mark encountered on early Birmingham arms is the Crowned P and V within an oval. After 1813 the proof marks changed to the crossed sceptres and crown mark with the letters BPC & V to identify it as Birmingham.
*Condition*
The gun is in excellent condition with a patina which is in keeping with its age. Please see pictures for more detail.
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