Late 18th Century English Coaching Or Holster Double Barrelled Flintlock Pistol Signed J Probin
A scarce and handsome half stocked flintlock double barrelled pistol by the famous maker John Probin of Birmingham.
The long barrels have a browned damascus pattern with a gold (yellow metal) band at the breach and gold touchholes.
The rib between the barrels is inscribed "Probin Maker for His R H The Prince Of Wales" and with a silver (white metal) blade foresight.
There are some areas of pitting showing, more evident around the breach.
The locks are nicely stepped and bevelled but free of decoration except being signed J Probin and the unusual shaped cocks which have nice engraved decoration.
The locks do also feature rainproof pans and roller bearings on the frizen springs.
There is a little lateral movement in the cocks before they engage with the mainsprings but they are good and the actions are reasonably crisp in both half and full positions.
The breach block and tang are intricately engraved and there is a blank oval silver (white metal) escutcheon at the shoulder.
The steel buttcap, trigger guard and forend cap are also nicely engraved, although the dark patina is doing its best to hide it.
The smooth walnut stock has a real feel of quality and apart from some age related bruising (particularly around the barrel slide) there appears to be no visible splits or cracks anywhere.
The horn tipped ramrod sits well in its place and looks to be original, although there appears to be some damage at one end meaning that it is a little short for the approximately 10" long barrels (maybe it once had a fitted steel worm?).
I think there may be a question mark surrounding this but Thomas Probin seems to have started the dynasty of this families association with the gunmaking trade with a Thomas Probin of Birmingham who was a Contractor to the Board of Ordnance between 1708 and 1727. He seems to have had children from two marriages, the elder were Owen, John, Thomas, and Ann and the younger, Samuel, Elizabeth and Mary. Apparently the male Christian names mentioned here were very popular for the Probin's and reoccur many times throughout history.
I have looked at quite an in-depth article about the family and I think this piece was made by John, son of Owen and mentioned in the Baptisms of Jan 1740. He is mentioned in Trade Directories from 1769 to 1800 working at John St. and Bull St.
He passed away on 2nd July 1800 and left "tools" for his brother Owen and Nephew John.
The dynasty continued into the 19th Century, but I think I'll leave it there as the article is very in depth and I have "cherry picked" relevant information that I believe are part of this pistols history.
It has to be said that this piece has had an active life and has not lain in a drawer wrapped in felt for over 200 years. Nevertheless a handsome and quality pistol.
Barrel lengths 26.5cm, Overall lengths 39.5cm.
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
