BOX-LOCK CONCEALED TRIGGER TURN OFF FOR ID

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Hello Fernando,

From your pictures you have a nice example of an English style boxlock pocket pistol. In the smaller
sizes these concealed trigger examples are often referred to as muff pistols.

Whilst your pistol seems characteristically English in form and style of decoration the absence of clear
proof marks and a retailers or makers name is perplexing. Proof was a legal requirement and this was
strictly enforced. This may indicate continental manufacture in the English style or it is just an anomaly
such as an apprentice piece.

This type of pistol was produced in vast quantities by the London, Birmingham and provincial trade. They
were very popular as their basic boxlock actions were cheap to make whilst their turn off barrel loading
with an over sized ball gave considerable force to the shot. Deliberate aimed shooting was impossible
with the cock in the line of sight but this mattered little at short range or when the mere sight of a pistol
was deterrent enough.

This style of pistol is sometimes confused with the Queen Anne pistol. The true Queen Anne pistol has a
side mounted cock distinctive curving frizzen spring and the characteristic elaborate baluster turned cannon
barrel. Although this form of cannon barrel is sometimes fitted to the best quality boxlocks.

I would date your pistol to circa 1800. The stepped junction at the grip and action can be indicative of the
earliest period of manufacture of the boxlock around 1750 but the plain barrel and general form suggest a later period.
These pocket pistols continued to be manufactured with precussion locks well into the 19th century.

I hope this is useful.

Best regards,
Simon.