This antique English pistol is stocked in walnut and trimmed in engraved steel furniture. The forearm of the pistol has been replaced from the forward ramrod pipe to the muzzle. A nickel silver ramrod pipe was fitted. The pistol is assembled with a swamped octagon .58 caliber smoothbore barrel, mated to a very fine English flintlock with sliding safety. The top of the barrel is engraved Knubley Charing Cross London in a style typical of English gunmakers. This pistol has scattered handling marks from 180+ years of handling.
The .58 caliber smoothbore swamped barrel is 9" including the breech plug. The barrel has been neatly draw filed smooth with crisp flats and the damascus twist is visible in the finish. The breech is inlaid with a gold band and fitted to tang shaped with an integral rear sight. The front sight is a typical English design. The .58 caliber smoothbore measures .575" diameter. The bore is mostly bright with some light scattered pitting visible.
The grip is shaped with a bag style and has been neatly checkered with a broad diamond pattern with a dot in the center of each panel. The stock has a warm brown tone. The wood and furniture feature first class shaping and engraving in the tradition of fine English pistols. The barrel is secured with two wedge keys, fitted with escutcheon plates. The forward key and plates are replacements. The triggerguard is shaped with a large bow. The triggerguard finial is shaped with a pineapple finial, and has been neatly hand engraved. The ramrod entry pipe is shaped with raised rings at the ends and a tapered thumbnail skirt. The ramrod is fitted with a flared horn tip The side panel is fitted with small washer style sideplate finished flush with the panel. The lock bolt head has some wear to the slot from a improperly fitted screw driver.
The English flintlock has a crisp action and a well hardened frizzen. The lock was likely polished bright, but has aged to dark gray patina over time. The lock is engraved Knubley across the lower edge of the lock plate. When using our best 5/8" knapped English gun flints, #FLINT-ENG-5, the lock will throw a shower of sparks into the pan. A vent liner is well centered, positioned at the mid point between the bottom and top edge of the pan. The trigger is very crisp with no travel or play.
This pistol appears to be well used with scattered handling marks. It sparks well with a crisp trigger. Order it for a ten day visual inspection. You will be delighted. Else if it does not fit you, return it in unfired condition for same-day refund. Postage is your only risk, when you order any one-of-a-kind gun from Track, whether new, used, or antique.