Antique Silver Mount British Flintlock Box Lock Pistol Rea Royal Exchange London

Item Details

An antique silver-mounted flintlock box-lock pistol marked for Rea, Royal Exchange, London. The partially obscured silver hallmarks include makers mark for DB, attributed to David Blair, a silversmith in Birmingham. The pistol has a brass turn-off cannon barrel, and a brass border engraved action. The action is signed on the left within a rococo scrollwork engraving. The sidearm is also fitted with an engraved sliding cut-off on the left. The faint inscription on the left reads ‘Rea, Royal Exchange’ and ‘London’ on the right, again within an elegant rococo ribbon. The top-strap is additionally decorated with a floral rococo emblem, and an engraved sliding trigger-guard safety-catch constructed of iron. The walnut butt has inlaid silver wire shells and small engraved flower heads within the scrollwork. The bas-relief butt-cap, cast in silver, shows an unmarked silver shield, and hallmarks for the Birmingham Assay office (anchor), with lion passant (sterling), and the duty mark of George III, which places this piece as late 18th century through early 19th century (1786 – 1821). Research indicates a possible association between David Blair, a registered silversmith and gunsmith of the time, with the gun shop of the family Rea (John and Thomas Rea).

Condition

- untested, recommended for display purposes only. chipped wood handle.

Dimensions

Item #

17LAX234-190