Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a very nice Gentleman’s or Officer’s private purchase upmarket flintlock overcoat pistol, with a substantial 5 1/2 inch long octagonal barrel with a large 0.55″ bore. The pistol measures only 10 inches, the perfect size for easy concealment. This would have packed quite the punch, a real “man stopper”!
The barrel is marked EDGSON, STAMFORD on the top barrel flat, and the lock is marked EDGSON under the pan. John Edgson is recorded as working in Stamford, Lincolnshire during the period 1797-1816. In 1810 the firm name changed to John & David Edgson in 1810, which puts this this pistol right in the first decade of the 19th Century. We checked under the barrel, and it is marked with the CROWN / V “viewed” and CROWN / P “proved” pre-1813 markings from the London Proof House.
The lock is flat with a stepped tail, and features a “stalking” safety that appears to have a replaced thumb tab. The lock is a modern design, featuring a fenced waterproof pan, a frizzen reinforcement bridle, and a roller bearing frizzen spring. The lock is fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full, and the safety works as well!
Overall the pistol is in very nice sound condition, with a lovely worn patina. The metalwork has a lovely gray color, and there is decorative engraving on most of the fittings, particularly the trigger guard. This was definitely a high quality example, probably made to order. The walnut stock with a bag shaped walnut grip has a lovely color and grain patterns. It shows some wear and minor repairs, but is still quite solid. There is a dark hardwood ramrod under the barrel, which is probably a replacement.
A most appealing upmarket small flintlock pistol that must have packed a massive punch. Ready to display!
Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: circa 1805
Bore Diameter: .65″
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 5 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 10 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.