Queen Anne Flintlock Pistol by William Perry, Circa 1780
This Queen Anne style English flintlock pistol was probably once one of a pair. It has a turn-off barrel that resembles a cannon. The barrel and breech are marked with the number "1" near the unscrewing lug. Its walnut stock has a silver escutcheon, silver side plate, silver butt-cap and inlaid silver wire. The butt-cap features a grotesque mask. The pistol has a sliding trigger guard safety. Sliding the trigger guard forward with the pistol half-cocked locks the trigger and the cock. "W. PERRY" is engraved on the underside of the breech along with early Birmingham proof marks, a Crown over a "P" (the gun-makers proof) and a Crown over a "V" (the "view mark").
| Type: | Pocket / Belt Pistol |
| Style: | Queen Anne Flintlock |
| Country: | England |
| Overall Length: | 9 1/4 inches |
| Barrel Length: | 3 1/4 inches |
| Weight: | 15.1 ounces |
| Bore: | .485 inches, Smooth |
| Stock: | Walnut, Ball Butt style |
References
- William Perry, West Bromwich (Staffs.) Gunlock Maker, 1756-1771. Gunmakers of London 1350-1850 by Howard L. Blackmore.
- William Perry, Ordnance Lock Contract 1756-1757. British Board of Ordnance Small Arms Contractors 1689-1840 by De Witt Bailey, W.S. Curtis Publishers, N. Wales, UK, 1999.
- Perry and Wm. Perry, London and Birmingham Circa 1780, Names Appearing on Firearms. British Pistols and Guns 1640-1840 by Ian Glendenning, Cassell and Company 1951