English 19th Century Full Stocked Flintlock Pistol Signed R Johnston

With a musket calibre of 0.75" the predominating feature of this pistol has to be its 6.5" octagonal browned twist barrel, it certainly is a monster.

The steelwork is in great condition and much of it is blued and what isn't (trigger guard and ramrod pipes) has a pleasant dark steel patina.

The stepped lock is signed R Johnston and is engraved with a sunburst and foliate sprays.  It has a rainproof pan, roller bearing to the frizen spring and a sliding safety catch (which as so often is the case has snapped).

The mainspring is good and the action is crisp in both half and full position.

Befitting its mammoth barrel, this pistols stock is also substantial.

The deep and finely hatched grip sits very well in the hand and the walnut has a lovely colouration.

There are a couple of issues;

The forestock (from the start of the ramrod pipes) has been replaced at some point and there is a crack running through the stock on the left side behind the lock retaining screw.

Also the cock doesn't quite fit with the crispness of the lock, so this might also be a replacement.

Richard Johnston was a London maker and made free of the Cutlers Company in 1795.  Amongst other things he was Sword Cutler and Belt Maker to the King.  He operated from 68 St James Street from 1798 -1840.

Despite its issues there is no denying that this pistol is a crisply engraved very handsome piece and surprisingly well balanced.

Barrel length 16.5cm, Overall length 30cm.

This antique pistol is considered obsolete and non functioning, and is sold as a collectable ornamental item. This product is available for purchase in the UK without a license