« previous next »
Pages: [1]   Go Down

Author Topic: H. New Pistol  (Read 971 times)

Offline Pro Libertate

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 54
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 »
Logged

Offline Pro Libertate

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 54
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.










Logged

Offline smart dog

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *
  • Posts: 7009
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
Logged
"The main accomplishment of modern economics is to make astrology look good."

Offline Seth Isaacson

  • Library_mod
  • Hero Member
  • *
  • Posts: 1104
  • Send me your rifles for the ALR Library!
    • Black Powder Historian
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.
Logged
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

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 54
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!
Logged

Offline Pro Libertate

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 54
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
Logged

Offline Seth Isaacson

  • Library_mod
  • Hero Member
  • *
  • Posts: 1104
  • Send me your rifles for the ALR Library!
    • Black Powder Historian
Re: H. New Pistol
« Reply #6 on: June 14, 2024, 04:04:40 PM »
 ;D very cool!
Logged
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.*
Pages: [1]   Go Up
« previous next »