pair of pistols by H Nock

[terry1956]

hi chaps, as a late brithday gift to myself I picked up a nice matched pair of pistols by H Nock. I have a few questions. the first being I know a little about H Nock and that he stopped trading in 1804 but can anyone please tell em a bit more about the man.
the second is these pistols are musket bored, so would it not be to out of line to say that the oficer who purchased these from new was a fighting officer with some money, this leads me onto the 3rd question, when new what price would these of been.
thanks michael

[Matchlock]

Hi Michael,

I would date your pistols closely to the 1790's.
For more on the maker please see

http://asoac.org/bulletins/88_wainright_nock.pdf

Best,
Michael

[terry1956]

Thanks for the link, interesting. michael

[Matchlock]

Hi Michael,

Given the fact that your pair of Nock pistols is actually preserved in the virtually 'untouched' sate of condition that I assume telling from your pics I would just gently rub all the iron surfaces with olive oil. Please, in any case, leave the wooden surface alone.

And: I hope I'm not the only one to desire seeing better images - would that be possible?

Best, my namesake,
Michael

[Matchlock]

Originally Posted by terry1956

this leads me onto the 3rd question, when new what price would these of been.
thanks michael

Oh Michael,

That of course is a really demanding question.

I'll try and leaf thru my archives though. On the other hand, in order to put the 200 year price in a both reasonable and comparable relation to 21st c. market prices we would have to to learn a lot about the actual historic purchase power of 220 years ago ... Maybe some local economy historian could help you along with this ...

Best,
Michael

[terry1956]

thanks for that, but it was the price the first owner would of payed that i was interested in. I have a good collection of weapons and in the main they are british officers swords and pistols, and I am alway wondering how much they would of paid for these weapons when new, it just adds a bit more interest for me. michael

[Atlantia]

H. Nock was a very good maker. I've a small boxlock pocket pistol with sliding safety by Nock.
Nock pistols seem to have many notable uses. The 'volley gun' ducks-foot pistol used by the Royal navy is perhaps the most famous.
I've heard it said that the great Nelson himself (as a young officer) would lead the charge onto the French decks, charging forward with his Nock Pistol and sword!
A formidable opponent for sure.
Nock guns are of course relatively common as 'he' (his several workshops) were very well patronised and prolific, but the quality is always in my experience excellent!
Beautiful pair of pistols BTW!

[Dmitry]

Can you post photos of the locks and trigger guards, and the proof marks on the barrels? Thanks.

[rickystl]

Great looking set of pistols!! And wonderful condition!! Congrats. Rick.

[terry1956]

sorry for late reply been away, here are a few more pics, michael

[Matchlock]

Congrats, Michael,

Great condition and optimum original surface finish!

Best,
Michael

[rickystl]

Wonderful, top condition pieces. Congrats!!! Rick.

[terry1956]

thanks chaps, yes they are nice, I am looking for a french pair to go along with them, michael