Mid 19th Century English Percussion Cap Officers Pistol Of 0.65" Calibre Full Stocked With A Swivel Ramrod
In good condition with the steelwork having a nice even dark patina, possibly helped by browning as some areas still show this colouration.
The full stock is of polished walnut and apart from some age related bruising, is also in lovely condition.
The heavy 6.5" octagonal barrel has a twist pattern and is engraved London along the top flat, and the barrel tang is finely engraved.
The fine foliate engraving on the lock is "economical" with just 3 sprigs and it is signed Hewson.
The hammer may be an old replacement as it is free of decoration and looks a little more worn that the rest of the metalwork.
The trigger guard is also foliate engraved and terminates with a pineapple finial.
The mainspring is smooth and the action is crisp in half and full position.
There was a Thomas Hewson of London but he emigrated to South Africa in 1820, however W.P. Hewson (William Powley) his son worked for his father in London and then later moved with his sons (George and Thomas) to Exeter.
1820 or before is too early for this piece, which I think is 1830's-1840's, so I believe that it is a William Powley pistol, after all he did work in London for a time and hey 'London' looks good on a pistol doesn't it?
Barrel length 16.5cm, Overall length 30cm.
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
