Queen Anne pistol ... or the like

[fernando]

This piece was also posted at the Ethnographic Forum, looking for advice were to go for qualified coments (I am an adict to Vikingsword ).
A sort of Queen Anne pistol, although the barrel doesn't turn off. Some used to call this version, night pistol; you loaded them with shot, so you didn't need to aim with accuracy ... good for instant shooting in dark hours. that's why it has a ramrod for front loading.
The safety catch operates by sliding the trigger guard, like most.
Although it has the LONDON name on the breech, doesn't seem to be British, the London thing being just to impress and raise its value. There is no British proof marks anywhere, which is almost impossible to happen with Brit guns.
It could (could) be Belgium (Liegeoise); the fact that it has no Liege proof marks doesn't exclude such possibility, as by the end XVIII century ( which seems to be its age) local proof marks were not obliging ( before Napoleon got there and made regulations) .
However calling it a knock off is rather penalizing for me, as it costed the "eyes of my face". Thing is, i just couldn't resist to its appeal.
Anyone here have items of this sort ?
Fernando

[Jim McDougall]

Fernando, this is an absolutely magnificent little pistol, and I confess I am more attracted to these 'Queen Anne' pieces than any other firearms. I think it is primarily because of my admittedly over romantic fascination with piracy in its "Golden Age". I always think of these in number tied with ribbons all about the pirate captain, as in Blackbeard.
Since these were often, if not typically civilian, would the same proofmarks be applied? I have been under the impression that the Liege firearms industry in producing 'knock offs' was a 19th century phenomenon.

I look forward to hearing the observations on this attractive piece! and no matter what...its a beauty

All the best,
Jim

[celtan]

It is a thing of beauty...



M

[Jim McDougall]

In doing a little reading on these 'Queen Anne' pistols, it seems the term technically applies to flintlock pistols of 1702-1714, but they were produced before that time and considerably after. Also it seems these were often also termed 'turn off' pistols, for the unscrewing barrel typically featured.

There is apparantly on good title on them:
"The Queen Anne Pistol 1660-1780" by John W. Burgoyne , which also confirms the extended period in which these were produced.

I really think these are incredibly attractive little pistols !!!

[fernando]

Hi Jim,
So sorry i (nearly) failed to reply to your postings.

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

... Since these were often, if not typically civilian, would the same proofmarks be applied ? ...

People insists that, if it is a British pistol, should have proof marks, whether being an ordnance or a civilian item. But i've actually read about a luxury piece that was ordered by an important person from a famous smith; as the smith's articles integrity was beyond doubt, but also expensive, and as also such ordered piece was for direct delivery and not being exposed in the market, the said smith did not send the gun to the proof house, to save the customer the extra (expensive) cost. I don't mean this was the case with my example ... only to prove there are exceptions to the rule. Eventually those guys out there that assume to know a lot about these things, insist that this example is not British (also) based the decoration quality and things like that .

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

I have been under the impression that the Liege firearms industry in producing 'knock offs' was a 19th century phenomenon.

Considering the strict sense of knock off, like replicating stuff to put it cheaper in the market, yes.
However this case is more in the sense that, when determined stuff made at a certain place (country) has acquired significant charisma, others would produce stuff of the same kind ( not pure imitations), to get their share in the market absortion. In those days, Liegeoise weapons was very famous and fine, not (yet) synonim of cheap stuff.

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

... it seems the term technically applies to flintlock pistols of 1702-1714, but they were produced before that time and considerably after.

Correct.

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

... Also it seems these were often also termed 'turn off' pistols, for the unscrewing barrel typically featured.

Correct again ... as a principle. There are exceptions, even made by famous listed smiths ( Delaney, Freeman ) with a fixed barrel. Those could be loaded with swan shot or the like, and be used as travelling pistols, for instance. Freeman was the one that called this version night pistol. The presence of a ramrod is usually the indicator that the barrel is fixed.

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

There is apparantly on good title on them:
"The Queen Anne Pistol 1660-1780" by John W. Burgoyne

Jim, you are fantastic This is indeed the (only) work available on these weapons; i have bought it some time ago. However thanks a lot for the hint.

Fernando

[kahnjar1]

If this pistol was made in England, or for that matter in Liege, it would have DEFINATELY have been proved. Even if made for some notable person it would STILL have had proof marks.
The USA (for example) however DID NOT prove its weapons, so although marked LONDON on the barrel (which would as you suggest probably give a false lead to the buyer), this could possibly have been made there. There were some very nicely decorated pieces eminating from the States.