Early 19th Century Full Stocked Officers, Dueling or Holster Pistol signed Patrick, Liverpool
A flintlock Holster or Officers pistol that has been converted to percussion cap.
The metalwork is in a clean steel finish, but has some staining overall and some corrosion on the trigger guard.
The engraved parts of this piece are quite finely done, from the breech and barrel tang to the tail of the lock and the pineapple finial on the trigger guard.
The lock is signed Patrick and the top flat of the octagonal barrel is engraved Liverpool, and in the mid 19th Century also stamped with an Irish Registration Mark.
The top of the barrel has been rubbed so that the writing is faint. The registration mark is W-? 44??, the W- would indicate one of the following locations, Westmeath, Wexford or Waterford Borough.
The walnut stock is in good condition with only one small crack and some minor bruising.
There is a silver (white metal) escutcheon just below the barrel tang with some ornate initials inscribed.
The mainspring is strong and the action in both half and full position is both smooth and crisp. There is also a nice wooden ramrod that fits neatly into place.
Ok, the Patrick's...... its seems there are 3 members of this family who were Gunmakers. Jeremiah (the Father) who was recorded as being at 36 Lombard Street in Liverpool 1795-1798 and at 2 other addresses until 1814. Then there was Edward (the son) who took over from 1814-1820 when the business went bankrupt after a fire at their warehouse. Finally Anne (the daughter) took over from 1820.
Contemporary writings observed that Patrick guns were of fine quality and the fact that it is known that they made Dueling Pistols, would indicate that their clientele were "well to do".
A good quality piece despite being a bit over cleaned.
Barrel length 24cm, overall length 37.5cm.
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.
