Original British Revolutionary War Era Sterling Silver Mounted and Hallmarked Flintlock Pistols by Thomas Bate – Circa 1771 Original Items

Original Items: One of a kind Pair. We just purchased this lovely set of flintlock pistols from a private collector, who was downsizing their collection. They are excellent examples of the late 18th century British Style. These were made by the firm of English Gun Maker THOMAS BATE, who worked from 1770-1810, with shops in both London and Birmingham.

The pistols have very nice Walnut stocks, and have half-octagonal iron barrels that are 8 inches in length. They are all Silver-mounted, and measures 13 1/2 inches in overall length. Each is marked BATE on the lock plates and BATE LONDON on the barrels. Each barrel has the correct London Crown / CP black powder and Crown V “Viewed” proof marks on the left-hand side. The flash pans are also lined with brass, as are the touch holes on the side of the barrel, which helped prevent corrosion from the powder.

The silver fittings are simply incredible, with ornate sideplates, which are a lovely design, with a small oval area where they could be marked. The “long-eared” butt caps are marvelous, and have very nice “grotesque” masks on the bottom. There are also some very nice monogrammed escutcheons on the wrists, though unfortunately we cannot read them entirely. They look to say “WGS” and are matching, which is great to see.  The long trigger guard quite wonderfully has fully legible London Silver Hallmarks, and even makers marks!

The Marks on both match, and are: “Lion” “Crowned Leopard Head” “Q” and I-H. The lion indicates that these are Sterling (0.925) Silver, the Leopard Head is for London, and the Stylized Q is for the year of 1771. The “I-H” is probably for James Hyde or Hine. There is unfortunately no way to tell the maker definitively.

Both come with their original wooden horn-tipped wooden ramrods and are really just fabulous. The locks both function, and hold at half-cock, firing at full.

In just lovely Condition, fully cleaned ready to be displayed!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1771
Caliber: .61″ Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 8 inches
Overall Length: 13 1/2 inches
Action: Flintlock Side Action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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