AmericanLongRifles Forums
General discussion => Antique Gun Collecting => Topic started by: Pro Libertate on June 06, 2024, 05:35:08 PM
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Please forgive me for sharing what is likely a British-made pistol on an American long rifle forum (blasphemous, I know), but what we have here is what I believe to be an early 19th century percussion (converted from its original configuration as a flintlock) pistol. While I’ve been unable to find any information regarding the maker (H. new), this firearm greatly resembles a Napoleonic-era Bristol-made Gillet pistol I’d come across on an auction site in terms of its engraving style and overall design. The barrel is a smoothbore and it mics at approximately .58 caliber; bore condition is decent with some pitting/freckling present.
While it does retain its original nipple, I discovered that a T/C Renegade nipple will fit it perfectly. I have test-fired it with a blank load of 30 grains, but I have not attempted to fire it with a projectile. It functions perfectly, with a positive half and full cock, and an incredibly smooth and light trigger. I’d welcome any information you might have on this piece or its maker. Thank you!
(https://i.ibb.co/mG0Z7rZ/IMG-0481.jpg) (https://ibb.co/wR7G1ZG)
(https://i.ibb.co/ZgMK6xM/IMG-1285.jpg) (https://ibb.co/GM5kvR5)
(https://i.ibb.co/Z1k0LY0/IMG-1300.jpg) (https://ibb.co/yBbrfYr)
(https://i.ibb.co/wYZ09NV/IMG-1286.jpg) (https://ibb.co/XVf2hZ1)
(https://i.ibb.co/rmG0H7Q/IMG-1288.jpg) (https://ibb.co/ZV6XxLf)
(https://i.ibb.co/P9ZqL5m/IMG-1294.jpg) (https://ibb.co/cCc4BNg)
(https://i.ibb.co/gS6r1wN/IMG-1296.jpg) (https://ibb.co/pfn1DZc)
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Here’s some photos of the aforementioned Bristol-made Gillet and a London-made Thomas Spencer shotgun that has incredibly similar engravings.
(https://i.ibb.co/PGg47F2/IMG-0727.jpg) (https://ibb.co/yFq5wdz)
(https://i.ibb.co/FH0ptb7/IMG-0719.jpg) (https://ibb.co/QDC0GFm)
(https://i.ibb.co/3Rskdfd/IMG-0720.jpg) (https://ibb.co/y4RVPhP)
(https://i.ibb.co/TwDmnSy/IMG-0717.png) (https://ibb.co/dfsG3qZ)
(https://i.ibb.co/MkWT7PV/IMG-0716.png) (https://ibb.co/hFh5V2W)
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Hi,
Henry New working in Birmingham at least 1817-1825 at Fisher Street and St Mary's Row. Contractor to the Board of Ordnance. The fine notch in the rear sight suggests it was made for target shooting mostly.
dave
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Fairly fine rear sights appear on a lot of defensive pistols too from that era. If a target pistol, I'd expect it to have a set trigger, longer barrel, and adjustable rear sight.
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A tremendous thanks to you both for chiming in. I scoured the internet for hours and wasn’t able to procure any information. You guys rock!
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(https://i.ibb.co/MVV1BRM/IMG-1431.jpg) (https://ibb.co/FwwYHBg)
There’s something incredibly satisfying about shooting a 200+ year-old pistol using balls and powder you’ve made yourself… especially when it doesn’t blow up and maim you!
https://youtu.be/KkEwyQncRCg?si=-xbN3JnY61LWiEQA
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;D very cool!