The standard of personal protection for an 18th Century gentleman, along with a blade was the flintlock pistol. This one is complete with brass ornamentation quite clean and simply presented, with the sideplate showing an elaborate collection of arms pierced through with flags, signifying a successful battle and honors earned. The trigger guard has a eight-arrow star pattern, while the brass-tipped ramrod flares outward. Signed on the lockplate by W. Ward, this maker shows on British list from the middle of the 18th Century for a brief 10-year period.
The smooth curved stock grip ends in a flourish on the butt cap, with a floral tang reaching up the grip. The engraved lock and flint cock have been reworked some time ago, probably by the same private Birmingham gunsmith whose proof marks are on the barrel. The barrel tang points to a relief carved clamshell pattern carved in the hardwood of the gun stock, echoing the ridge escutcheon with its shell top in brass.
Pistol Measures 11⅞ Inches Overall with a 6⅜ Inch Barrel
