Original 18th Century English Flintlock Pistol by James Barbar with “Wormed” Ramrod – circa 1750 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a wonderful all brass mounted English Flintlock pistol, made by the well-regarded London Gunsmith James Barbar. It is in the typical mid 18th century style and in really great shape, especially considering the age.

According to Gunmakers Of London, 1350-1850 by Howard L. Blackmore London Gunsmith James Barbar was the Son of Gunsmith Lewis Barbar, and was apprenticed to his father in 1714. In 1722 his proof piece passed and he was declared free of Gunmakers Co.. He was then elected as an assistant in 1737, and a master gunmaker in 1742. He was appointed Gentleman Armourer to George II, 1741 Furbisher at Hampton Court resigned, 1767. As a private Gunmaker he operated out of Portugal St., 1726-67 and on Dover St., 1739-67. Barbar passed away in 1773.

The lock is marked with BARBAR on the lock plate, with no other markings that we can see. We have tested the lock, and it holds correctly at half cock, firing at full. The pistol  is fitted with the standard 9″ .63″ smooth bore barrel, which still shows visible proofs on the breech end, a rare thing to see. From what we can see, they are the CROWN / GP “gunmaker’s proof” and CROWN / V “Viewed” marking from the London Proofhouse. It is also marked with * / I B for maker James Barbar (J was written as I).

The pistol really is in great shape, and has a lot of curl to the walnut stock, especially in the lock area. The pistol also comes with a very nice original brass capped wooden ramrod, with an intact “worm” on the end, for clearing out a stuck ball or powder load. Unfortunately, at some point in this pistols history, the cleaning rod was broken, and is now held together by transparent tape, which looks to be decades old. We have not made any attempts to remove or repair this, to preserve the history.

A lovely English Flintlock pistol, in great shape and ready to display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1750
Caliber: .63″ Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 9 inches
Overall Length: 15 inches
Action: Flintlock Side Action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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