Project Description
!!!!!SOLD!!!!! This is an antique cased pair of early full size, but very small, engraved box lock flintlock pocket pistols with screw off barrels, drop triggers, safeties, and checkered bag style grips, made by renown London gunmaker Issac Blissett, circa 1770. Although not really miniatures, they are small enough, and of such high quality, that many miniature collectors would be proud to add this set to their collection. 3 3/4″ long overall with 7/8″ long .22 caliber smoothbore barrels. The barrels with a small lug on the bottoms to be caught by a special wrench for removing the barrels if they became stuck. Steel construction with the exceptions of the checkered one piece walnut stocks, a silver diamond inlaid into the top rear of the stock behind the safety, and the German silver gripcap. Both pistols are finely engraved on both sides of the action, the hammer, the frizzen, the safety, the muzzle end of the barrel, the bottom tang, and the gripcap. The left side of both pistols engraved BLISSETT. The right side of both engraved LONDON. The bottom of the action just ahead of the trigger has two proof marks, and there is another just ahead of the take down lug on the barrels. The top mounted tang sliding safeties work when the hammer is in the half cock position, and when pushed forward, lock the frizzen to the pan, and keep the hammer from being pulled back to full cock. The folding triggers snap smartly down into place when the hammer is bulled back to full cock. Complete with the original key lock, burl walnut casing with top lifting ring and interior lid trade label, key included. The picturesque trade label marked “I. Blissett, Gun Maker, 69 Leadenhall Street, London, All sorts of Guns & Pistols, Retail, and for Exportation. Every Article Necessary for Sportsmen.” The case interior English fit and lined in a faded light brown felt. The case bottom lined in what looks to have been a burgundy felt, but has faded to a brownish color. Includes the original pliers type bullet mold with integral sprue cutter that cast a single round ball. These were probably originally a fire blued finish, and traces can be seen in the protected places, but the pistols are now a pleasing silver/gray finish. There is some minor pitting on the lower tang of one of the pistols. A beautiful and exquisitely well made pair of diminutive pistols. !!!!!SOLD!!!!!
