Early 19th Century Flintlock Pocket Pistol By Burnett Of Southampton
A beautiful round framed flintlock pocket pistol in a bright steel finish with fine stand of arms engraving on both side of the body, acanthus leaves around the muzzle and border decoration elsewhere.
It has a folding trigger, top sliding safety catch (very stiff to move!), diamond shaped silver (white metal) escutcheon, and most surprisingly roller bearings to the frizen. This is a feature I've not noticed on a boxlock before and is a sign of a quality piece.
The action is super crisp in half and full position and the mainspring is strong.
The barrel unscrews and the hidden trigger operates as it should.
The walnut bag shaped grip is without decoration, has a small chip on the right hand side and has shrunk back a little from the frame. There are some marks on the barrel, and the mtealwork has a little staining.
It is signed Burnett on one side and Southampton on the other.
William Burnett was a Gunmaker from 1823-1851 and is recorded at 153 High Street in Southampton. He specialised in wild fowling pieces and was Gunmaker to a Colonel Peter Hawker, whose double barreled gun was affectionately named "Bloody Burnett".
A cracking pocket pistol.
Barrel length 4.5cm, overall length 16cm.
This antique pistol is considered obsolete and non functioning, and is sold as a collectable item. This product is available for purchase in the UK without a license.
