19th Century English Half Stocked Officers Pistol Converted From Flintlock
A very attractive half stocked percussion cap Officers pistol converted from flintlock with carving to the butt that is very "Mortimer-esque".
The 8" round barrel is 0.65" calibre and along with Tower Proof marks, has the Crown GR with the Broad Arrow denoting it to be a Government firearm. It is also decorated with an attractive sunburst design and foliate engraving on the barrel tang.
The lock, hammer and nipple are crisply engraved with a floral design (except the nipple which mimics the sunburst design on the barrel, or perhaps the carving on the butt).
The trigger guard is likewise engraved with a shield surrounded by foliate sprays, but it is not quite as crisp as the engraving elsewhere.
The half stocked walnut is in good condition with no splits or cracks and just the usual bruises one would expect from a piece of this age.
It has silver (white metal) flourishes in the form of a forend cap, barrel wedge surrounds and a shield shaped escutheon at the shoulder.
It has a finely hatched grip and the carving on the butt is very similar to that of some Mortimer pistols that I have seen.
The ramrod is ebony with brass at either end (one end having the "worm" unloading tool).
There is minor corrosion pitting across the barrel, but overall I would say that the steelwork is in good condition with the mainspring being strong and the action being crisp in both half and full position.
The only damage to the steelwork that I can see is on the hammer where it has been "nibbled" where it struck the percussion cap.
A handsome Government piece.....shame it is not signed!
Barrel length 20.5cm, Overall length 35cm.
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
