ENGRAVED Antique British SAMUEL & C. SMITH .50 Caliber PERCUSSION Pistol LONDON MARKED with PLATINUM BANDS at the Breech

Product Description

ENGRAVED Antique British SAMUEL & C. SMITH .50 Caliber PERCUSSION Pistol  

LONDON MARKED with PLATINUM BANDS at the Breech

Here we present an antique Samuel & C. Smith Percussion Pistol, made circa the 1840s in London, England.  In 1825 gunmaker William Smith was succeeded by his son Samuel (1794-1855) and the name of the William’s firm changed to Samuel Smith & Co. Samuel patented a percussion cap and nipple, the “Imperial,” in 1830. This cap was larger than normal, and the firm provided interchangeable hammer noses to fit the different sizes. In 1831 Samuel submitted a percussion musket to the Board of Ordnance but it was rejected. In 1834 Samuel’s brother, Charles, joined him and the firm became Samuel & Charles Smith (Sam’L & C. Smith). Between 1835 and 1837 they were appointed Gun Makers to His Majesty (William IV) and also to the Duke of Gloucester. The firm continued to make flintlock guns until about 1850. In 1855 Samuel died. Presumably Charles had pre-deceased him, because Samuel’s two sons, also Samuel and Charles, took over the firm.

This pistol features a large .50 caliber “manstopping” bore that would have been worn on the belt or holstered as it was possibly carried into battle. This is a neat old pistol and one can easily imagine the sight of its gaping bore would certainly be a deterrent to would be scoundrels.

The lock is marked “SAML & C. SMITH/PRINCES ST. LONDON” with floral engraving. The Smith address on the top barrel flat reads “Saml’ & C. Smith Princes Street Leicester Square London”.

The overall condition is very good. Original Damascus twist pattern on the barrel and patina overall. The action is excellent and the trigger has the single set feature that makes for a very light, very crisp trigger break. The bore is smoothbored and patinated with light pitting. The stock is solid. Double platinum banded breech. This one also has both a front and rear sight. There seems to be a removeable top on the hammer, which is a unique feature—we believe this could be for cleaning or perhaps to remove for safety or dry fire purposes. A very elegant pistol!

Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.

Barrel is 10 inches.

Caliber: .50 Percussion

Overall condition as seen in photos.

Very Fast. Very Safe. FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE. Delivered directly to your door by express mail!

Guaranteed AUTHENTIC & Includes CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY.

www.ancestryguns.com

$2400
#228543