Name/Title
Flintlock PistolEntry/Object ID
2026.02.01Description
A 50 BORE FLINTLOCK BOX-LOCK D.B. TURNOFF PISTOL BY BENNETT, ROYAL EXCHANGE, LONDON, BIRMINGHAM SILVER HALLMARKS FOR 1782, MAKER'S MARK OF CHARLES FREETH with copper alloy cannon barrels numbered from nothing and '1' respectively, border engraved octagonal breech numbered to correspond, London proof marks, border engraved copper alloy action signed over each side on rococo foliate scrolls, tang-plate decorated with foliage and a rocaille, border engraved ring-neck cock and steel (replaced), foliate engraved sliding steel cut-off on the left engraved with a flower-head on the pan-cover, sliding steel trigger-guard engraved with foliage in a diamond within an oval, figured rounded butt and swelling pommel profusely inlaid with scrollwork and rocailles in fine silver wire (minor losses now repaired) heightened with engraved silver flower-heads, vacant border engraved silver escutcheon and cast and chased silver lion and rampart butt-cap with a border of foliage, 10.2 cm barrel Provenance Christie's London, Antique Arms and Armour, 20th September 2007, lot 221 John 2 Bennett was apprenticed to his father who is recorded as Citizen and Cutler in 1758. The father was a sword cutler and silver-hilt maker registering his mark with the Goldsmith's Company in 1761. John 2 worked on his own account at '67 Threadneedle Street opposite the North Gate of Ye Royal Exchange' between 1781 and 1803, and was elected Master of the Cutlers' Company in 1779 and 1793. The business was succeeded by his widow Elizabeth.
It is housed in a wooden box that's been adapted to fit.Made/Created
Manufacturer
Chrales FreethDate made
1752Place
City
LondonCountry
EnglandContinent
EuropeDimensions
Dimension Description
Barrel lengthHeight
102 mm
