This is an excellent flintlock pistol. It is 7 ¾” overall length with 2 ¼”, turn off cannon barrel. The barrel’s smoothbore is near mint clean & bright. The underside of the action and barrel have crisp black powder proofs / inspection marks. The action has foliate engraved decoration & scrolling banner signed ‘T. Richards’ (most likely Theophilus (Theop's) Richards a quality English Gun maker & Silver gun furniture maker located at various premises on High Street Birmingham between 1799-1833. Between 1818 & 1833 his premises were known as 'The Royal Patent Waterproof Gun Manufactory' where patents for waterproof locks fashionable in the day were produced. Two Theophilus Richards are recorded. One the Father of the renowned gunmaker William Wesley Richards, the other his elder Brother, see page 50 of English Gunmakers By Bailey & Nie). The cocking and firing mechanisms work crisply. The original stock is undamaged. The price includes UK delivery. NB As an antique flintlock pistol no licence is required to own this item in the UK if retained as a part of a collection or display. Sn 21393:59
£675.00