3383 FINE LONDON RAMS HORN BUTT SCOTTISH OFFICERS ALL

Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 1,500.00 USD
Estimated at 3,000.00 - 4,000.00 USD
METAL FLINTLOCK PISTOL BY J.W. & T. JOHNSTONE. Cal. 58. S# NSN. Bbl. 7 1/2", round. Joshua Johnston(e) is listed as a scabbard maker in 1790, and a hardwareman between 1792 and 1803 became J.W. and T. Johnston(e) at 12 Newcastle Street, 1806–25. He is known to have retailed many military accoutrements, including basket hilt swords. This fine-quality pistol, most likely made for an officer in a Scottish regiment, has traditional 18th-century styling with a 7 1/2" flared, round barrel. Breech and muzzle sections have filed-in flats, and the barrel is scroll-engraved at the center. "London" is on top of the rear flat. The lock is of a later type construction (not Miquelet) and features back sliding safety on traditionally filed plates. Lock features a high-breasted serpertine cock, a semi-waterproof pan, and a bridled roller frizzen with a roller-on feather spring with a bulbous finial. The maker's name is on the lockplate under the pan. The all-metal frame features a ram's horn butt with a silver ball pricker, a ball trigger, and a fancy, turned steel ramrod. The frame is fully engraved with feather-burst borders surrounding a large, shaded scroll. A steel belt hook is attached to the left side. CONDITION: fine, with some restoration. All metal parts are even pewter gray, with some bright polished highlights still visible. Traces of bright blue can be seen on the butt, frizzen spring, and barrel. The belt hook is a well-done, handmade replacement. Bore is lightly pitted. Mechanically fine. (01-24311/MGM). ANTIQUE. $3,000-4,000.