Late 18th Century English Flintlock Boxlock Pistol Signed "Twigg" And "London" With Underslung Sprung Bayonet
A very clean example of the classic late 18th Century weapon of self protection, the bayonet mounted pocket or overcoat pistol.
The barrel (and thus the bayonet) is longer than many I have seen, which is why I have categorised it as an Overcoat/Greatcoat pistol, rather than simply a pocket pistol.
The smooth steelwork has a lovely dark patina and with the exception of the bayonet and trigger guard, is free of any visible corrosion.
On the left side of the body is engraved an oval escutcheon in front of a Stand of Arms decoration and the name in elegant script "Twigg".
The right side is decorated in the same way with "London" inscribed.
Along with a single line border engraving the decoration is simple, but finely done.
The mainspring is good and the whole action is both smooth and crisp in half and full position with the top mounted sliding safety catch engaging with both the cock and the frizen.
The underslung bayonet is released by sliding the trigger guard backwards and left unchecked this will fly forward to lock in place as the spring is strong! With the bayonet released, the clear London Proof Marks are revealed.
The barrel is threaded beautifully and unscrews cleanly.
The slab sided one piece walnut grip matches the rest of the piece in its simplicity and size compared to a pocket pistol.
Now to the maker, which is trickier than it might seem.
The surname is a famous one and linked by association to other famous makers of the time such as Manton, Purdey and Nock, to name a few.
John Fox Twigg was born in Lincolnshire in 1732 and it seems was apprenticed to an Irish Gunmaker Edward Newton.
By 1775 he is listed as a London Gunmaker and moved premises several times.
His son (also John) was apprenticed to Henry Nock in 1786 and upon his Fathers death in 1792 he inherited his business.
Because the name Twigg was renowned and arguably one of the best makers of his time, it was copied.
It appears to be very accepted now that some Birmingham makers would use his name (and others) to make their pistols more appealing. These do also make interesting collectors pieces in their own right.
This pistol is I believe of the late 18th Century and that fits both with the end of John Fox Twigg's career and the beginning of his sons.
I don't think that it is a "copy" of that time though, simple it may be but that was Twigg's style and as I mentioned earlier, simple doesn't necessarily mean basic.
All I can say is that this is a good quality piece bearing the name of one of London's finest.
Barrel length (turn off section) 10cm, 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
