Offered here is a large, brass barrelled, box lock, blunderbuss flintlock pistol with an under sprung bayonet, housed in a repurposed antique writing box. The pistol was made in 1784 by the renowned London gunmaker John F Twigg who operated as a gunmaker from 1732 till 1789 and was also a contractor to the East India Company from 1772 to 1789.
The octagonal to round barrel measures 7 ½ inches with a muzzle flare of ¾ inches. The whole arm measures almost 13 inches and 18 inches with the bayonet deployed.
The bayonet is attached under the barrel and a bone tipped rammer is fitted to the left side of the barrel. London view and proof marks are found on the underside of the barrel.
The box lock frame is engraved in cursive script reading ‘Twigg’ and ‘London’. The action is in good working order and the bayonet, operated by sliding the trigger guard, deploys but does not snap into place without some help.
The checkering on the grip is in good condition and a vacant silver echelon is present. There is some light cracking visible on the right side of the grip but the grip itself is solid. The Birmingham hallmarks on the sterling silver butt cap are worn and the silver smith’s mark is unreadable. The date mark of 1784 is clear.
As mentioned, the pistol is housed in a repurposed antique writing box and contains period accoutrements such as oil bottle and powder flask. See photos.
Sold as a collector item only.
Special arrangements may have to be made for delivery, layby available.