Early 19th Century Flintlock Overcoat Pistol Signed Smith
A fine example of a full stocked overcoat or travelling pistol dating to the first quarter of the 19th Century.
The steelwork is in bright steel (with some pitting in places) and is nicely decorated.
The lock is stepped and bevelled and has a sliding safety bolt, rainproof pan, roller frizen spring and is signed "Smith" in script.
The barrel is stunning with beautiful damascus patternation, gold (yellow metal) front sight and has "London" engraved along the top.
The walnut stock has a finely decorated cross hatched grip and a gold (yellow metal) escutcheon at the shoulder. The stock does carry some bruising, but there are no splits or cracks.
The horn tipped wooden ramrod fits nicely into place and for that reason I believe it to be original.
The action in both half and full position is super crisp and the frizen is very lively.
There are many pieces signed Smith of London and I believe a great deal are attributed to William Smith of Birmingham from Lancaster Street 1846-1886. This pistol doesn't fit that time period and I believe is by an earlier William Smith who provided guns for Royalty and was originally apprenticed to the well known maker John Joyner in 1766.
To my knowledge he started trading as a Gunmaker in 1805 at 24 Tottenham Court Road. He was later made Gunmaker - in- Ordinary to the Prince Regent in 1817 after which he moved to Leicester Square. To me, the styling and finish of this piece fits into that time frame nicely.
A very good looking pistol indeed!
Barrel length 13cm, Overall length 24.5cm.
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.
