18th Century Pair Of Flintlock Pocket Pistols By I Pratt London
A lovely cased pair of Queen Anne style boxlock flintlock pocket pistols with silver (white metal) wire inlaid grips made by Isaac Pratt of London.
His name and London are engraved within cartouches surrounded by floral decoration on either side of the body.
Both the metalwork and the woodwork of both pistols are in good condition, with a pleasing patina and no pitting, although the named engraving is a little worn.
The action on one of the pistols is good in both half and full positions, but on the other?.......well, here is the main issue with this beautiful pair of pistols, the hammer has become detached from the body. It is unbroken and the mainspring is in place and good (as it is with the other pistol) The bolt which holds the hammer in place was missing (I guess someone at some time thought it would be a good idea to remove it?)
I have found another antique bolt that seems to fit the bill quite nicely, but without the correct tools, or knowledge I will leave that job to someone else. All parts for the repair are in the case ready for someone with the right know how, or contacts, to make them a grand pair again.
One barrel unscrews correctly, but the other is seized on (and as always, I don't try to force it).
Isaac Pratt was listed as a Gunmaker at 8 Throgmorton Street in London between 1771 and 1776 and became Master of the Gunmakers Company in 1778.
The hand written card in the case refers to this sets provenance, as it came from a collection from the Bristol 1904 Arts, which was a group of artists established in 1894 and then known as the Bristol Savages.
Barrel lengths 6cm, overall length 19.5cm.
Case 25.5cm x 18cm x 4.5cm
This antique pistol is considered obsolete and non functioning, and is sold as a collectable item. This product is available for purchase in the UK without a license.
