This is an excellent pair of flintlock pocket pistols complete with accessories of a powder flask, bullet pliers and screwdriver, two flints and an oil bottle.
The possibly unmatched but original gun case is made of a oak hardwood with a wonderful aged finish, lined with red velvet and the reverse of its lid bears the manufacturer’s label that reads ‘By His Majesty’s Patent, Henry Nock Gunmaker To His Magesty Ludgate Street, London ’.
The pistols are fitted with round smoothbore 9mm or .355 cal barrels with a leaf engraved decoration towards the tip, the barrel has an ‘0’ engraved to correspond with the body of the pistol to help gauge when the turnoff barrels is screwed on tight enough.
Both pistols are marked with ‘H. Nock’ on the left and ‘London’ on the right hand side of the main body. The decoration on the pistols lock plates is very detailed with flags, shields and an overturned drum.
The grips are knurled walnut hardwoods with a dark stain. The bodies and lock plate of the pistols main bodies are of engraved brass with steel inners and the barrels are of engraved steel. Both the main bodies of the pistols and the barrels are stamped with Birmingham proof marks.
This design of Nock pocket pistol was very prevalent in the late 18th and early 19th century with many used as showpieces or for personal protection with the overall cosmetic design used seems to be borrowed from the military style of the time.
The screwdriver has the markings W.D. on one side and a scratched initial the other side.
As for the historic side of it, Henry Nock of London was one of the most influential gunsmiths of the time, most famous for his volley gun, the Nock Gun and his pieces are wonderful parts of the history of gunsmithing, engineering and excellent workmanship.
~ Dimensions ~
The case is 13.5 inches (34cm) wide by 7 inches (18 cm) deep, and 2.5 inches (6.5 cm) tall.
The pistols are both 6.25 inches (16 cm) long from the barrel to the back of the butt.
The pistols are 4.75 (12 cm) inches from the top of the lock to the butt.
The whole boxed set weighs 2.1 Kg.
The pistols each weigh 260 g.
~ Condition ~
The pistols are both in good working order with all the moving parts functional.
There are some scratches and nicks to the brass on the body of the pistols from use and regular carrying, as pictured.
There are some minor scuffs to the furniture of the pistols as to be expected with age.
There are some presumably oil marks on the box’s label.
The interior of the box is in good condition.
There are some scuffs to the boxes exterior but overall there is a good finish to the wood.
ref. GS646734A / ASAD00X23LP22E2D
