Mid 18th Century Flintlock Duelling/Holster Pistol Signed Dory Mallow
A nice full stocked holster/duelling pistol with brass mounts and signed within a scrolling flourish "Dory" on the lock and "Dory Mallow" on the top flat of the octagonal barrel.
The pierced brass counter lockplate definitely lends itself to mid 18th Century styling, as does the flat sides and swollen butt of the grip.
The steel metalwork is stained overall and the barrel has light pitting across its whole length, giving it quite a nice salt and pepper patina.
The brasswork has a pleasant aged patina and has nice border engraving, with the trigger guard having a good acorn finial and flower engraving.
The barrel has early Birmingham Proof Marks and a makers cartouche (?.D).
The mainspring is strong and the action in both half and full position is surprisingly crisp, given its age, although upon trigger release it definitely feels less so (maybe something catching internally?)
The lovely walnut stock carries its fair share of bruises and there are old splits around the forend and one of the butt. The steel ramrod looks OK, but its a replacement as it is too short.
There appears to have been two Dory gunmakers in the area, Edward Dory of Cork in 1784 and John Dory, specifically of Mallow in 1746. From the styling, I would say that this is one of Johns' pieces.
Overall a handsome early Irish pistol.
Barrel length 26cm, Overall length 40cm.
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
