I'm finally getting an English pistol!

[Justin Urbantas]

I'm pretty excited about my latest acquisition from an online auction.
I've been looking for a good pistol or pair of pistols, but they're always out of my price range.
It's an original English pistol made by Barber.
I think I made off pretty well for $475 plus fees and shipping.
It looks like it's in pretty fair shape for the age.
I'll probably have it in hand in about a month, and we'll see what work it needs to get it back to top shape.
Might need some springs, vent liner, maybe a bore polishing or re-boring.
I'd love any possible information you guys could offer from the pictures, as the listing description was minimal.
My guess is that it's from the 1760-1790 period.
Cheers.

[Mattox Forge]

Congratulations!  They are awsome things to get your hands on. That looks like a nice English made one. Good price. Which auction if you don't mind me asking?

It is definitely at the later end of your time estimate.

I see that it has a singles set trigger, most likely of the Sidons type. I posted about it here.
https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=44182.msg433643#msg433643
They show up very often in English pistols and rifles. I see the post lost it's images. I will have to go back and add them back in.
Mike

[Mattox Forge]

When you get the pistol, before you try the set trigger, make sure to take the lock out and verify that is has a fly on the tumbler. The set triggers rely on inertia to trip the sear, and without a fly the sear will often catch tbe half bent on the tumbler. Oddly enough, some pistols did not have flies on the tumbler even though a set trigger was installed. I have one like this.
Mike

[Justin Urbantas]

I got it through proxibid.
I didn't even notice the set screw for the trigger!
That's a nice bonus. 

[smart dog]

Hi,
Nice pistol Justin.  My guess is that it was made by Isaac Barber of Newark who died in 1798.  The lock and styling is definitely from the late 1780s-1790s.  With front and rear sights, set triggers, and overall plain appearance, it may have been set up for dueling.  It has what look like private Tower proof marks on the barrel (2 stampings of crown over crossed scepters), which could be plausible for a provincial maker.

dave

[Niall]

 A date of 1790 would be a good estimate. This would be described as a duelling pistol. Although the barrel is very pitted the lock looks to be in good shape. The lock mortice is pretty tight which is always a good sign and the visible screw heads and ends are not mutilated. The stock looks to have  been refinished at some stage. With the bore cleaned up it should make a good shooter, I don't think you'll have to do much more. These locks are very robust and this one hasn't been worked too hard.  I think you'll be happy with this one.
When you get it, pull the lock and barrel and we can all get a look...share the joy

Here's a dueller I picked up lately, plain looking but top quality. The lock is immaculate with most of it's original blueing.

[Robby]

I'll assume there are pictures, can't see them.
Robin

[Pukka Bundook]

Nice pistol Niall.
Good to "see" you!

Gents,
With the French style trigger -guard, would you put this pistol slightly later?

Justin,
Go light on the clean up if I may say so.
I'd drop all the metal parts in a caustic soda solution.
This doesn't remove any finish, Or corners for that matter, and cleans out the engraving very nicely.

The bore will clean up I am sure without going too rash.

Congrats on finding it!

[Justin Urbantas]

It's  weird that some of you can see the pictures, and some can't.
 Have you guys tried Evaporust rust removal solution? I thought a soak in something like that for the steel,  and a gentle brush then oiling.

[Niall]

Gents,
With the French style trigger -guard, would you put this pistol slightly later?

It'll be interesting to see if there is a swivel link between tumbler and mainspring, I'd imagine there is . That , the large pineapple finial and the lockplate shape would say 1790 + .

[Levy]

I don't think Evaporust would be a good idea for the metal parts because it will remove everything right down to the bare metal, removing any remaining finish and all patina. James Levy

[Pukka Bundook]

Niiall,
Quite agree on the 1790 plus.

It's just the French style guard  that has me thinking mid 1790's or a shade later.

[Niall]

Niiall,
Quite agree on the 1790 plus.

It's just the French style guard  that has me thinking mid 1790's or a shade later.

Could be, Richard. Seeing as Dave has his expiry date as 1798 we can take that as a cut-off point.

[Daryl]

Now THAT'S a cool pistol, Justin. With the current state of affairs, I am surprised you were able to acquire it.

[Seth Isaacson]

I was going to put in a bid on that one but forgot to do it before it sold. I'm glad someone who will actually appreciate it got it given how cheap it went.

[Justin Urbantas]

Now THAT'S a cool pistol, Justin. With the current state of affairs, I am surprised you were able to acquire it.

Yeah, no more modern pistols or repros for us. I wanted a nice antique anyways.

[Daryl]

Yes, of course, an actual antique skirts the laws.