A Wonderful French & Indian War - American Revolutionary War Period Flintlock Officer's Holster Pistol by BROOKE, LONDON
A Wonderful Antique French & Indian War - American Revolutionary War Period Flintlock Officer's Holster Pistol by BROOKE, LONDON, circa. 1740. 9.25", .63 caliber 2-stage round iron smooth-bore, pin-fastened, barrel engraved on the top "LONDON". The left side of the barrel breech is struck with (2) oval proof marks of a small "CROWN" over "P" (Gun makers proof) and a small "CROWN" over "V" (Viewed). Early convex banana shaped lock was made without a bridle to the frizzen and has decorative line and hound's-tooth border engraving and maker signed "BROOKE". The pistol is in its original flintlock configuration with no replacement parts or restoration. All brass furniture includes an engraved trigger guard with acanthus-leaf finial, vacant wrist escutcheon, open-work side plate of classic Georgian rococo form, and long-eared butt-cap with grotesque face mask. The stock retains the original varnish, is missing a chip just in front of the lock mortise, has a raised carved section surrounding the barrel tang terminating in a scallop shell pattern, raised tear-drops located at the rear of the lock plate and rear of the side plate, a few age stress cracks but overall is solid with very light scratches and dings from years of handling. Original period wood ram rod with iron worm. In good mechanical working order. 18.5" overall length. A real untouched gem worthy of any museum collection...
Note: All iron surfaces have been cleaned over the years and exhibit areas of salt & pepper rust pitting.
ABOUT THE MAKER: Most likely Benjamin BROOKE. Apprentice to John Brooks 1705. Free of Gun makers Co., 1717. Proof piece. Holborn, 1731. In return of gun makers, 1756. At Holborn, died in 1760.
Ref., p. 61, GUNMAKERS OF LONDON 1350-1850., by Howard L. Blackmore., c. 1986.
TTI-571622
PRIVATE COLLECTION, Consignment; Ben S. 2022 #12.
