Original 18th Century English Queen Anne Style Flintlock Pistol by Clark of Holborn, London – Circa 1760 Original Items

Original Item: Only one available. This is very rare “Queen Anne” style flintlock pistol, made by Clark of London. Also sometimes spelled “Clarke”, this multi-generation shop operated from 1785 until 1840 in Holborn, London. Clarke had many British government contracts to supply military muskets but also built bespoke guns making business for well heeled customers.

The pistol is marked on a banner on top of the barrel’s breech end by maker CLARK, and the bottom of the barrel is marked HOLBORN – LONDON. Next to these are the CROWN / GP proof and CROWN / V “viewed” markings from the London Proof house. There is also another proof in between these which we cannot quite read. The pistol has some line engraving around the lock, with some more intricate designs on the top of the barrel and on the barrel tang.

The pistol measures 12 1/2 inches in overall length, with a 6 3/4 inch cannon barrel, in the typical “Queen Anne” style. It looks like the barrel originally did unscrew, as there is a tab on the bottom for a wrench, however the barrel is now completely frozen. The pistol has an iron trigger guard, and there is no provision for a ramrod, not needed if it had a removable barrel. The pistol is mostly iron and steel back to the trigger guard, after which it is fitted with a nice walnut stock. There is a lovely silver escutcheon on the back of the grip, and the bottom of the grip has a silver grotesque masked butt cap.

Condition is very nice, with a lovely patina. Most of the engraving is still clear, and really adds to the piece. The lock functions, holding correctly at half cock, however it does need a little work, as it often sticks at half cock when trying to fire the lock.

A truly lovely pistol in fine Collector’s condition ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1760
Bore Diamter: approx .65″
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 6 3/4 inches
Overall Length: 12 1/2 inches
Action: Flintlock Side Action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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