Early 19th Century English Flintlock Boxlock Pocket Pistol Of Fine Quality Signed Wood, Worcester
A beautiful little pistol with a finely engraved body, barrel and cock, tightly hatched walnut bag shaped grip with a silver (white metal) lozenge shaped escutcheon and lions head butt mask.
It also features innovations such as the roller assisted frizen spring, hidden trigger, rainproof pan and a top mounted safety catch.
The steelwork is in lovely condition with some of its original bluing remaining on the rifled barrel, which is engraved at the muzzle and the breech and has Birmingham Proof Marks. it is not seized and unscrews cleanly.
The body is profusely engraved with sunburst, floral, Stand of Arms and intricate borderwork.
The mainspring is strong and the action is lovely and crisp in both half and full position. This can also be said of the concealed trigger and frizen. The top mounted safety catch operates correctly, but the small lug that engages with the frizen has worn down over the Centuries, although the long bar behind the cock would still prevent accidental discharge (as would the hidden trigger).
Reference material tells me that William Wood traded from 18 Broad Street in Worcester between 1821 and 1851, so being a flintlock this would be one of his earlier pieces, created at a time when the new percussion cap era had just begun.
A top quality piece by a Master Gunsmith.
This antique pistol is considered obsolete and non functioning, and is sold as a collectable ornamental item. This product is available for purchase in the UK without a license
