Rifled Pocket Flintlock Pistol by Henry Ellis, Circa 1690

This exquisite Flintlock Pistol has a rifled turn-off barrel. It predates Queen Anne`s reign, which began on March 8th 1702. The pistol was once part of Clay P. Bedford`s collection (#1190) and was exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the early 1970s. (1) What follows is the museum`s catalog description. Cannon barrel rifled with six grooves, in two stages separated by molded girdle, ending in expanded muzzle ring; flattened top at breech terminating in leaf ornament. Dog safety operating between half and full cock; single-leaf upward-curved "steel" spring. Butt of figured burl-walnut; steel furniture; rounded pommel, chased with raised edges and volutes; side plate pierced with floral scrolls; single side nail; blank escutcheon with pierced pendant swags; button trigger; no trigger guard. Henry Ellis, Doncaster, about 1690 (1)

Henry Ellis was one of the most distinguished provincial English gunmakers of the 17th century. His known works seem to date from around 1690 until at least 1712, when he appears as "gunsmith" in the records of the Borough of Doncaster. He was admitted to the freedom of Doncaster on 15 November 1698, and he died in 1722 or 1723. (1) (2) (3)

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