Flintlock pistol identification and valuation please

[robmc]

Hi Lads,

I have an English flintlock pistol which I could do with your knowledge on ID and value,

I believe it to be English as it has Birmingham proof marks and I think its a overcoat pistol?

Length is 9" , barrel length is 4 1/2" , Bore diameter .65".

There is no makers mark as far as I can see , there is some nice hand engraving (even on the screw heads).

The stock has some damage, mainly a piece missing in front of the side plate (see picture)
http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/...130_142805.jpg
http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/...130_142820.jpg
http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/...130_142844.jpg
http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/...130_142855.jpg
http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/...130_142919.jpg
http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/...128_215013.jpg
http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/...4183571645.jpg
http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/...4195564059.jpg
http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/...4195871725.jpg
Any information and valuation on this would be great.

Thanks in advance,

Rob.

[tacfoley]

Hi Lads,

I have an English flintlock pistol which I could do with your knowledge on ID and value,

I believe it to be English as it has Birmingham proof marks and I think its a overcoat pistol?

Length is 9" , barrel length is 4 1/2" , Bore diameter .65".

There is no makers mark as far as I can see , there is some nice hand engraving (even on the screw heads).

The stock has some damage, mainly a piece missing in front of the side plate (see pic)

Any information and valuation on this would be great.

Thanks in advance,

Rob.

Pic?

tac

[robmc]

pics added

[TA6319]

Made by the Birmingham trade at a guess early 1800's, sometimes also called a manstopper. Its very nice.

[tacfoley]

Please post close-ups of the lock with the pistol held horizontally.

TIA.

tac

[robmc]

Thanks for the reply,
It is nice quality and not bad condition considering it's about 200 years old (didn't realise it was that old)
Manstopper! I can see why it's called that 😀( I wouldn't want to be on the wrong end of it)
Any idea what is worth?, I was thinking of putting it up for sale.

Thanks,
Rob.

[robmc]

I've added a close up.

Thanks,
Rob.

[loiner1965]

It's a coast guard pistol

[Salamander]

It's a coast guard pistol

I'd've thought the amount of engraving on the lock plate was too much for a coastguard pistol. Those I've seen were basic.

[ashf9999]

Coast guard pistols also tended to have a captive ramrod. I suspect this is just an overcoat pistol of a type generally referred to as a man stopper, given the bore. They are indeed Brum proofs. Look carefully at the lock plate, preferably under a magnifier. Quite often the retailers would buy in guns from the trade (that may have already had an element of engraving applied) and would engrave the lock themselves, sometimes quite faintly by comparison, and given its over 200/250 years old, that can rub. That said, it is indeed possible it never held a retailer/manufacturer name. I agree with the first respondent. Value, without a maker, I'd put at around £400 - £550, especially with the woodwork as is. Try and keep a look out on sites like Kranks, Rusty Old Arms, Garth Vincent etc as similar ones do come up. Nice pistol though.

[loiner1965]

Usually are quite plain.....as suggested it could well be a man stopper too
Is it a late belt pistol
http://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/au...f-a41f010888d2

[robmc]

Thanks for the replies lads,

I had it under the glass and I can't see any makers mark, It does look similar to the belt pistol in the link, but has more detail
I've googled Manstopper and it does look more like them as they have same sort of detail?

Thanks for the valuation, I didn't think it would be worth that much, need to decide now if I want to sell it or not?

Many Thanks,

Rob.

[loiner1965]

Looked at a manstopper and yes my learned friend is correct.
It even as a front bead sight too

[robmc]

Thanks for all your help.

This is now for sale in the firearms section (see link)

Link: http://www.airgunbbs.com/showthread....88#post6904488

[nevermiss]

Thanks for all your help.

This is now for sale in the firearms section (see link)

Link: http://www.airgunbbs.com/showthread....88#post6904488

£300 in that condition