Early 19th Century Percussion Cap Pocket Pistol With A Spring Bayonet In A Fitted Oak Case By J Dunn
A flintlock boxlock pocket pistol made in the early 1800's converted to the percussion cap ignition system probably sometime in the 1830's.
It is finely engraved with Stand of Arms decoration on the left and right side of the body with J Dunn engraved within an oval cartouche on the left side.
The trigger guard has floral decoration engraved on it within a double line border and this trigger guard also acts as the release mechanism for the sprung bayonet which is slung underneath the barrel (an idea patented in 1781).
The barrel has acanthus leaf engraving at the muzzle and carries the post 1813 Birmingham Proof Marks.
The steelwork is in good condition with a smooth clean finish and the engraving is still crisp.
The bayonet and operating system all works as it should with it locking into place (it does this with some force if allowed to, so great care should be taken, our strong recommendation is to not let it snap forward).
The mainspring is good and the action is fine in half and full positions.
The safety catch is interesting in that it has not been altered from its original flintlock design, so doesn't actually work well with the new hammer.
I believe that the maker is John Dunn from London (1817) listed in Howard L Blackmore's "A Dictionary of London Gunmakers 1350-1850"
There are other J Dunn's from Birmingham, but none of the timelines seem to work out.
I haven't yet mentioned the oak case that this piece comes in. It is a simple hand made piece being basically a solid piece of oak chiselled out specifically for this pistol with a lid attached with two small brass hinges. Over the years it has become smoothed and is a lovely tactile artifact in itself.
It also comes with an old typed description note and although I don't necessarily agree with all of its contents, I do believe that they should stay together.
A lovely thing in great condition.
Barrel length 6.5cm, Overall length 19.5cm.
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
