Original British Over & Under Flintlock Double Barrel Tap Action Pistol by Joseph Thwaits of Bath – Circa 1770 Original Items

Original Item: One of a Kind. Just acquired from an old collection, this is a very nice patinated British over and under pistol with 4 ¼” barrels that turn off for loading. It measures 11 inches in overall length, so unlike most other examples in this style we see, it is not intended for pocket use. On the left side of the frame 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.

The box lock action and barrels are made of iron or steel, with a very nice flat sided walnut grip, which originally had silver wire engraving on the edges. The right side of the box lock is marked Bath and the other side is marked J Thwaits. Joseph Thwaits is a known gun maker in the Somerset city of Bath, England, who is mentioned as a gun-maker in Bath in the Bath Chronicle Newspaper in 1770 and 1771. We have seen several other examples of his work, both complete guns and locks used by other makers in the Bath area. Definitely some great research potential here!

We can see traces of the original proof marks, but they are unfortunately not legible due to wear and past oxidation. The pistol is fully functional, with the hammer holding correctly at half cock, and firing at full. The “tap” moves smoothly, and the frizzen moves correctly. The turn-off barrels and frame are numbered 1 and 2 on the left side, so that the correct barrel is reinstalled. Unlike many we see, the barrel both still unscrew easily!

Overall condition shows that this pistol saw much use and cleaning over the years. The metalwork has been cleaned up, but still does show evidence of past peppering and pitting overall, which has made some of the markings hard to read. The grip is in very good shape, with no major damage, and it also looks to have some lovely “curl” to the grain. It does show wear, and the silver wire inlay around the edges has been removed, while the dots inside the wavy design are still present.

A very nice example from Georgian London, probably about 200 years old and still in very good order and condition. Ready to display!

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: circa 1770
Caliber: about .45″ Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 4 ¼ inches
Overall Length: 11 inches
Action: Flintlock Top Action with Pan Tap
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.