This antique English belt pistol is marked LONDON on the top of the .60 caliber smoothbore barrel. Stocked in English walnut with a bag style grip and trimmed in iron furniture. The walnut stock has multiple repaired cracks. This pistol has been reconverted to flint lock using an antique German lock that has been updated with Siler parts. The pistol has a well aged patina from 200+ years of handling.
Our top view shows the 9-1/4" straight octagon pistol barrel, marked LONDON on the top flat. The .60 caliber smoothbore has visible pitting running its entire length. A small silver bead sight is soldered 1" behind the muzzle. No rear sight was fitted, typical of pistols designed for use at close range for personal defense. The exterior of the barrel has aged to a silvery-brown patina with light pitting, near the touch hole.
The pistol has the sleek lines, graceful balance, the patina of age, and the eye appeal of a fine original antique. The walnut stock has been repaired through the grip. A brass pin can be seen just above the tail of the lock that was used to repair a large crack. The crack runs from the tail of the lock panel up to the tang. Another crack can be seen on the left side of the stock running from the rear of the barrel channel, through the lock bolt, and back through the side panel. The bag style grip is neatly checkered and the iron grip cap is engraved with a floral pattern. A silver inlay decorates the top of the grip. We note a crack running from the tip of the pointed tang to the silver inlay.
Our bottom view shows the tapered wooden ramrod, ramrod entry pipe, forward pipe, and triggerguard, all made of iron. The triggerguard is decorated with an engraved pineapple finial. The bow is also engraved with a floral pattern. The barrel is retained to the forearm with two small keys surrounded by silver escutcheon plates. The single domed head lock bolt is surrounded by a simple silver washer style sideplate.
This pistol has been reconverted to flint lock with an antique Germanic lock with cast-in engraving. The gooseneck style cock is a modern Siler replacement, along with the frizzen. The frizzen has vertical grooves filed into the face. The pan is also a Siler replacement that was welded onto the lock plate when the lock was reconverted to flint lock. The single trigger has a heavier trigger pull. A bronze vent liner is positioned correctly over the center of the pan. The touch hole in the liner has been drilled at a slight angle.
This English belt pistol has a wonderful 200 year old patina. It has been reconverted with a Germanic style flint lock. If only this pistol could tell us its rich history! It will make a wonderful display piece and is sure to be a conversation starter! Order it for a ten day visual inspection. You will be delighted. Else if it does not fit you, return it in unfired condition for same-day refund. Postage is your only risk, when you order any one-of-a-kind gun from Track, whether new, used, or antique.