Original British Brass Framed Over & Under Flintlock Double Barrel Tap Action Pistol by Ketland & Co. – circa 1800 Original Items

Original Item: One of a Kind. Just acquired from a recent antique gun show, this is a very nice British over and under pistol with finely rifled turn off barrels for loading. On the left side there is a switch so one can decide which barrel will discharge. The pan has a rolling compartment each to serve one of the barrels so effectively the shooter has a second shot at his disposal directly after the first barrel has been fired. They would also choose to fire both at the same time. This type of mechanism is known as a “tap action,” and while most were 2 barrel, there were even examples made with 3 or 4 barrels. There is also a slide safety mechanism rear of the hammer, which originally locked the pan closed and held the hammer at half cock, but the pin in the front is missing, so it no longer functions.

The the barrels are iron/steel, while the box lock action is brass, and is fitted with a very nice flat sided walnut grip. The right side of the box lock is marked LONDON and the other side is marked KETLAND & Co.. This family business started in 1740, eventually expanding to have operations in both Birmingham and London, before finally folding in 1831. However it lasted over almost 100 years transacted a tremendous amount of business both domestically and abroad. Their Birmingham markings were so well known that in 1813 they became the official Birmingham Proof marks. This pistol was most likely made circa 1800 and would have been perfect for an overcoat pocket for self defense or for a serving Officer to carry concealed in case of emergency.

The weapon measures 8 1/2″ in overall length with a screw off 3 1/4″ rifled barrels, which are in good shape, still showing the fine rifling with the usual wear and oxidation. The bottom of the tap action has the CROWN / P proof and CROWN / V viewed markings of the London Proof house before 1813. The action is fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full, though it does stick a bit. As noted before the safety is missing the pin on front, so it does not functional. As far as we can tell, the tap works correctly. Both barrels are screw threaded, however only the lower barrel currently can be removed, with the top barrel seized.

Condition is overall very good, with a lovely mustard patina on the brass, and a great aged look to the iron and steel components. The back of the grip has a nice shield-shaped escutcheon, which is currently blank.

A very nice example from Georgian London made by the well-known Ketland & Co., over 200 years old and still in very good order and condition. Ready to display!

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: circa 1800
Caliber: about .45″ Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 3 1/4 inches
Overall Length: 8 1/2 inches
Action: Flintlock Top Action with Pan Tap
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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