Original British Napoleonic Era Officer’s Private Purchase Rifled Flintlock Pistol by John Twigg of London – circa 1790 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a fantastic upmarket officer’s private purchase rifled flintlock pistol of exceptional quality and lineage. It is marked on the Lock plate with script Twigg, and on the barrel with a script Twigg London. These are the markings of John Fox Twigg, one of the finest English gunmakers of his day, and one with connections to several other famous gunmakers. After immigrating from Switzerland, the famous Durs Egg first worked for Twigg’s shop located at 132 Strand, before setting out on his own. He also had John Manton as an apprentice, who rose to be his shop foreman before going out on his own.

In their two-volume history, The Mantons: Gunmakers, Keith Neal and David Back credit Twigg with originating several practices and features which influenced, first, John Manton, and through him, his brother Joseph, then James Purdey, Thomas Boss, Charles Lancaster, and finally the entire London gun trade. This elegant pistol represents a lovely example of the typical later style used by Twigg, later seen throughout London. In spite of this, John Twigg is generally not as well known as he really should be.

This lovely pistol is full stocked and has all steel / iron fittings, which are all beautifully engraved and executed. It features an octagonal barrel of 9″ with an overall length of 14 1/4″. The lock plate has a bevel at the rear, but no royal cypher, indicating it was a private purchase item and not made for a military contract. It was originally made with a hammer safety, but this broke off or was removed, as they often would catch on clothing. The barrel has the CROWN / GP “Gunmakers” proof and CROWN / V viewed markings of the London Proof house on the left barrel facet. It comes complete with its brass tipped ramrod.

The stock is in fantastic condition, with great grain and a lovely look. It does not look to have seen much use / service at all. The lock is in good shape and functional, holding properly at half cock, and firing at full. We checked the bore, and it is bright and shiny, with crisp rifling. The finish on most of the metal components is in great shape.

A lovely example of an officer’s private purchase flintlock pistol by a highly influential London gunmaker, ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1790
Bore Diameter: .46″ Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 9 inches
Overall Length: 14 1/4 inches
Action: Flintlock Side Action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country’s antique gun laws prior to ordering.