Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely little British Pocket Percussion pistol, signed on the sides of the Brass “Box-lock” with W. JACOT and LONDON. William Jacot is listed by Stockel as a gunsmith living in Liverpool, England, during the first half of the 19th century, however like many he labeled his guns with “London”. The earliest recorded works from him were made in 1831, and he was still in operation in 1847. He manufactured “trade” locks as well as firearms, and we had a U.S. percussion musket previously with a lock by him dated 1834.
The pistol measures 6 1/2 inches in overall length, featuring a 2 1/2 inch “turn off” .42″ bore barrel, which at this time is unfortunately frozen to the frame. Aside from the maker marks, it has some lovely engraving on the frame, which extends to the bottom and top as well. The underside of the brass frame is marked with the CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / BPC “proof” and CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / V “viewed” markings from the city of Birmingham, England. The bottom of the barrel is also marked with the CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / V “viewed” mark.
The pistol follows the classic style, and is fitted with a very nice checkered slab-sided curved grip, which is in very good shape. There is a shield-shaped escutcheon on the back of the grip, and it even has a small compartment on the bottom of the grip with a hinged nickel silver cover, where an extra ball and charge might be hidden.
It has some lovely features that make it very useful as a pocket pistol, including trigger that only folds out when the pistol is fully cocked, which prevents it from getting caught on the clothing. Overall condition is very nice, and it has a great look. The lock is fully functional, holding at half-cock and firing at full. The folding trigger folds out at full cock, and must be manually returned to the closed position after firing.
A really nice mid 19th Century British pocket flintlock pistol, ready to research and display!
Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: circa 1845
Bore Diameter: .42″ pistol
Ammunition Type: Cap & Ball
Barrel Length: 2 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 6 1/2 inches
Action: Top-Action “Box-Lock”
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.