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Author Topic: H. New Pistol  (Read 940 times)

Offline Pro Libertate

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H. New Pistol
« on: June 06, 2024, 05:35:08 PM »
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!














« Last Edit: June 06, 2024, 05:59:30 PM by Pro Libertate »
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Offline Pro Libertate

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Re: H. New Pistol
« Reply #1 on: June 06, 2024, 05:44:09 PM »
Here’s some photos of the aforementioned Bristol-made Gillet and a London-made Thomas Spencer shotgun that has incredibly similar engravings.










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Offline smart dog

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Re: H. New Pistol
« Reply #2 on: June 06, 2024, 06:31:42 PM »
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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Offline Seth Isaacson

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Re: H. New Pistol
« Reply #3 on: June 06, 2024, 06:40:46 PM »
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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I am the Lead Historian/Firearms Specialist at Rock Island Auction Co., but I am here out of my own personal interests in muzzle loading and history.
*All opinions expressed are mine alone and are NOT meant to represent those of any other entity unless otherwise expressly stated.*

Offline Pro Libertate

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Re: H. New Pistol
« Reply #4 on: June 06, 2024, 07:29:05 PM »
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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Offline Pro Libertate

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Re: H. New Pistol
« Reply #5 on: June 11, 2024, 04:54:10 PM »



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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Offline Seth Isaacson

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Re: H. New Pistol
« Reply #6 on: June 14, 2024, 04:04:40 PM »
 ;D very cool!
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I am the Lead Historian/Firearms Specialist at Rock Island Auction Co., but I am here out of my own personal interests in muzzle loading and history.
*All opinions expressed are mine alone and are NOT meant to represent those of any other entity unless otherwise expressly stated.*
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