A Rare & Fantastic Large English King William III - Queen Anne Period Flintlock Holster Pistol by ROBERT HARVEY

A Rare & Fantastic Large Antique English King William III - Queen Anne Period Flintlock Holster Pistol by ROBERT HARVEY, LONDON, circa. 1695-1710.  11.75", .60 cal. round iron multi-stage barrel marked with (2) oval Proofs of a small "Crown" over "GP" or "P" (Gun Makers Proof) and a small "Crown" over "V" (Viewed), a small "R H" (Robert Harvey, barrel marker).  The convex lock has beautiful decorative engraved scrolling vines with boarder line engraving and is maker signed "ROBt HARVEY" and the pan has no bridle to the frizzen.  All brass furniture includes a wonderful open work convex side plate, trigger guard, long eared butt cap and a wrist escutcheon engraved with an unidentified monogram.  All iron parts have light  rust pitting.  Correct flat iron tipped wood ram rod (most likely a later replacement but perfect).  The stock has fine high-relief decorative carving around the barrel tang, lock mortis, and side plate.  The overall stock is solid and may have been varnished long ago during its working life, with minimal scratches and dings from years of service and handling.  19" overall length.  The pistol is in it's original flintlock configuration.  A extremely rare holster pistol in fine condition that would be very difficult to improve upon and in good mechanical working order.  

This form of pistol was built along the same lines as military examples for Militia units but higher quality for a high ranking officer or wealthy gentleman and most likely one of a pair.  This pistol may have seen service in many of America's historical conflicts such as the French & Indian War (1754-1763) - American Revolutionary War, 1776-1783 !

NOTE:  The stock has had minor maintenance/repair during its working life where the barrel pin holes were re-enforced with wood.  This was a common repair/maintenance exhibited on muskets and pistols of the period.

ABOUT THE MAKER: Robert Harvey is a very well known gun maker of the late 17th - early 18th century.  Apprentice to Henry Anthonison, turned over to John Dafte, 1691.  Free of Gunmakers Co., 1702.  Elected Assistant, 1722.  Master, 1725.  Gunmaker to the Ordnance, 1703-1706.  Maker of fine silver-mounted pistols and crossbows.  Died in 1734.

Ref. p. 110.  GUN MAKERS OF LONDON 1350-1850 by, Howard L. Blackmore, c. 1986.

TTI-530019

PRIVATE COLLECTION