Original British Flintlock Officer’s Dueling Pistol by Richard Wallis of London with Set Trigger & Twist Forged Barrel – Circa 1800 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have lovely upmarket British Officers Flintlock “Dueling” pistol made circa 1800, marked on the lock RICH=D WALLIS, with LONDON stamped on top of the barrel, for gunmaker Richard Wallis of London. We were not able to find much information regarding this maker, however the pistol is definitely of very high quality and very well made, with engraved fittings throughout.

It has an octagonal 10 inch barrel with a lovely taper that narrows towards the middle, which has a bore measuring approximately 0.60 inches. The barrel wedges slide out easily, and on the underside of the barrel we can clearly see twist forging marks, with makers initials IS as well as STUBS and TWISTED. There were various types of twist / spiral forged barrels, and this type used the stubs of nails as the material used. It also bears the CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS proof on both the barrel tube and the breech plug, for manufacture in Birmingham England, most likely by Ketland or an associated gunmaker.

The pistol measures 15 1/2 inches in overall length, and is definitely the type we usually see termed as “Dueling” pistols. It is still in the original flintlock configuration, and definitely has the higher level appointments expected for a pistol of almost ceremonial use. It is all iron mounted, with lovely engraving on the trigger guard, which has a “pineapple” style finial on the front. There is also engraving on the barrel tang, which is a separate piece, and the barrel itself has some engraving in the end behind an inlaid golden band. The ramrod pipes are lovely as well, and hold what looks to be an original wooden ramrod.

The lock is lovely and quite ornately designed, especially with regards to the hammer and frizzen. The small pan is mounted between two iron protrusions from the lock, and the frizzen has a roller attached on the spring for smooth operation. There is also a half cock safety on the rear of the hammer. The lock is fully functional, and as an added treat, the pistol is fitted with a “set trigger”, which allows the pistol to discharge with a very light trigger pull. This type is actuated by pushing the trigger forward until it clicks, after which it requires very little pressure to fire. It can be used without the set trigger, but it takes much more effort.

Overall the pistol is in great shape, with a lovely polished finish on the woodwork, which has a lovely dark brown color. There is some cracking near the muzzle, which is very common, as well as a bit around the lock, also quite common. The grip still retains very strong checkering, and looks lovely.

A lovely British Flintlock dueling pistol with some great appointments and a set trigger! Ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1800
Bore Diameter: .60″ pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 10 inches
Overall Length: 15 1/2 inches
Action: Percussion 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.