Original item: One of a Kind. These are exceedingly rare! This pistol was made by JOHN BROOKE, the nephew of RICHARD BROOKE, who had made long Flintlock Dragoon Pistols and Carbines bearing the King James II Cypher of 1685-1688. Richard Brooke died in 1700, and his nephew John took over until 1717 when in turn his son BENJAMIN BROOKE continued the business until 1720.
This lovely little pistol has a .63″ bore 7 1/2″ barrel, beautifully proof marked and stamped with I.B. over a sword for John Brooke, and dates to about 1710. It has all brass mounts including a very early style of “Lion’s Heads” pommel. The brass escutcheon appears to be marked with the initials L. C.. The is no side plate, but the lock is attached with THREE cross bolts, each with a small brass escutcheon. The tang screw ascends from the trigger plate itself, which is the reverse from usual, but does make a much cleaner line on the back. The trigger guard itself is held in with pins through the stock.
The banana shaped iron lock mechanism is marked BROOKE across the tail and a CROWN over A.R. for Queen Anne of Great Britain. She was the younger daughter of the ousted King James II (1685-1688) and the younger sister of Queen Mary (1688-1694) who was succeeded by her husband King William the II who died in 1702. Queen Anne was married to Prince George of Denmark but despite SEVENTEEN pregancies there were no surviving children when she died in 1714. Thus came an end to the House of STUART and the start of the House of HANOVER with King GEORGE I in 1714.
A truly special flintlock pistol, possibly from the Royal Household, complete with brass button tipped ramrod and ready to display.
Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: circa 1710
Caliber: .65″ Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 7 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 12 1/2 inches
Action: Flintlock Side Action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded
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