Early 19th Century Flintlock Manstopper Greatcoat Pistol Signed Hanson Doncaster With Associated Accessories
A lovely full stocked large calibre (approx. 0.64") travelling or greatcoat flintlock pistol signed Hanson on the lock and Doncaster along the top flat of the heavy octagonal barrel.
The Hanson's were a family of Gunmakers that began with Septimus in 1817 and ended with a George Hanson in 1868.
I'm not entirely sure about those dates from my reference material, as I also found information online regarding the "Baxtergate Explosion".
It is recorded that in 1880 there was a huge explosion in Baxtergate, Doncaster which is where the Hanson's had their business. It was apparently caused by a chimney joist catching fire and sending the ceiling down onto the safe where Hanson's kept their gunpowder.
I believe that this most likely a Septimus Hanson piece.
The metalwork is all steel, right down to the heavy all steel ramrod and is in good condition with a pleasant dark steel patina, with the exception of the barrel and area around and extending from the touchhole which has some pitting.
The stepped and bevelled lock is signed Hanson and has light, quality engraving and features a sliding safety bolt and a roller for the frizen spring.
The main spring is good and the action is smooth but not crisp in half and full position. The frizen is strong and lively and the safety bolt works as it should.
The trigger guard is nicely engraved with a foliate design and is finished off with a pineapple finial.
The full walnut stock is also in good condition with a rich colour and a finely hatched grip.
It does carry the bruises of a couple of centuries.
Now to the accessories;
A very attractive ebony handled turnscrew with a white metal (silver) ferule and a very thick steel blade. A scissor bullet mould of large calibre (stamped 20). A copper and brass lozenge shaped powder flask with a couple of dents, but the seams are all good and the spring lever all works as it should. Finally there are 8 large shot and the key for the case which locks correctly.
I'm still working on my wood types, so please forgive me if I'm wrong, but I think this case is mahogany with 6 compartments (2 of which are lidded) and all are green baize lined.
Overall a very attractive travelling set.
Barrel length 11.5cm, Overall length 23cm, Case 30cm x 17cm x 7.5cm.
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
