AmericanLongRifles Forums
General discussion => Antique Gun Collecting => Topic started by: Bigmon on January 02, 2024, 01:04:48 AM
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I purchased this Flintlock Boot Pistol today at an auction. It was advertised as antique, but I am aware that it is my responsibility to be sure. It does seem to have proof stamps and LONDON on the sides faintly visible.
Here are a few pics. Please tell me what ya think? Antique or replica??
Got me concerned, it seems just a little too good?
(https://i.ibb.co/mqg5K8T/100-3385.jpg) (https://ibb.co/SnGwgry)
(https://i.ibb.co/S0gt1KJ/100-3387.jpg) (https://ibb.co/920bfqG)
(https://i.ibb.co/2jCqKqV/100-3386.jpg) (https://ibb.co/64TYsY9)
(https://i.ibb.co/wLzCND1/100-3390.jpg) (https://ibb.co/9vr29Rj)
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The pictures don't show it to best advantage, but I would think old, with something going on with the grip wood.
John
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Looks old to me.
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It is definitely a period antique
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That is a nice one. The brass barrel is unusual. Usually they had iron barrels. Looks pretty nice. Is there a maker's name on it?
Mike
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Usually called a 'boxlock' pocket pistol....a lot of brass barreled examples out there but the screw-off barrel versions, like this one ,are more commonly fitted with iron barrels. It's as right as rain.
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I was there. Looks like you did well. It looked good to me. Interesting auction. A lot of the items brought more than I expected but there were a couple bargains too. I was there mostly as an observer. The Shreckengost rifle was not his work at all. The native used musket was a fantasy. The Fordney was nice. Fun day. Congratulations
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Hey guys, yer making me feel a lot of relief. I don't think I paid too much, $425 + tax since ya;all say it's the real thing. I can find NO makers name or writing of any kind other than the proof marks on the bottom, and the near worn off LONDON on either side.
The wood grip may have a coat of varnish added some time ago?
Thanks,
Any information, or where I could look for info on these would be appreciated? Like, when were these pistols produced?
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G**gle boxlock pistol......There's a whole world out there ;); flintlock ,percussion, brass barrelled , iron barrelled, multibarrelled ,
cannon barrelled, screw-off barrel, folding bayonet, safety/no safety,etc.
Huge quantities turned out by the gun trade in Birmingham, Liege and other European hotspots in the full range of price and quality.
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Definitely looks like an original antique. I've handled a ton of those handy little pistols. Most of them were made by the Birmingham gun trade in the early 19th century but were marked "London." As Niall pointed out, a bunch were also made in Liege and France as well. Sometimes the barrels are lose enough to be unscrewed by hand, but they would have originally had a wrench that slipped over the barrel and locked on that little nub at the breech end. You could fill the breech chamber with powder and then rest a snug fitting ball on top and screw the barrel back on creating a nice tight gas seal.
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You threw me with the Boot Pistol , Bigmon!
As Niall says, it looks right.
Need Close Ups though of all interesting parts and proofs.
A great many don't carry a name, which is better than carrying a spurious name, and that is also very common!