A Sublime 'Queen Anne', Circa 1720, Cannon Barrel Flintlock Holster Pistol of Sidelock Action, With Solid Silver Mounts Including a Silver, Maned Lion Head Butt Cap, and Silver Dragon Sideplate

with silver leaf shaped escutcheon. Three stage steel cannon barrel with chisseled octagonal breech, conical second stage and flared long blunderbuss third stage. Fine jugland regia walnut stock. Horn tipped wood ramrod with octagonal rear ramrod pipe and typical barrel type forend ramrod pipe. English Proof stamp on the underside of the barrel at the breech.

These pistols originated in England, but also spread to France, Switzerland etc. Several of them were used by Americans during the American Revolution. It is thought that most of these came into American hands after the Siege of Boston.

The nice thing about such pistols was that most of them were made in sizes that could be easily stowed in a coat pocket, or like this example, the larger versions would be tucked into a belt, thereby allowing them to be easily concealed. This is why they became popular among civilians as a self-defense weapon. Many were owned by the rich and nobility, therefore, some examples such as this beauty are highly decorated with pure silver, fancy embellishments and engravings.

These pistols were also popular with pirates, The infamous pirate, Edward Teach, better known to the world as "Blackbeard", has been depicted in several portraits, carrying a number of these pistols around his body.

The character, Jack Sparrow, in the Pirates of the Caribbean series of movies, also carries a Queen Anne type pistol and hands it to Angelica in the movie, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.

Photo 10 in the gallery was an artifact from a 1782 British Loyalist wreck found just off St. Augustine’s coast, Florida. It is a 'Queen Anne' cannon barrel flintlock, covered in seabed concretions, and the photo also shows, in the bottom half, its X-ray that clearly reveals how it has survived beneath 240 years of immersion in the coastal waters.

The ship was part of a fleet fleeing Charleston, South Carolina, and sank on December 31, 1782, while trying to enter the British-controlled St. Augustine harbour.

Here are some of the specific reasons why people enjoy collecting such fine antique pistols:

Historical significance: Antique pistols are stunning relics of a bygone era, and they can provide insights into the history of warfare, technology, and culture. For example, a collector might be interested in owning a type of pistol that was used in a famous battle or that was carried by a famous historical figure.
Craftsmanship: Antique pistols are often works of art in their own right. Many early gunsmiths were highly skilled artisans, and their creations can be extraordinarily beautiful. Collectors might appreciate the intricate engraving, fine inlays, and other decorative elements that are found on many antique pistols.
Aesthetic beauty: Antique pistols can be simply stunning. Their elegant lines and graceful curves can be a thing of beauty. Collectors might enjoy admiring the form and function of these antique weapons.
Rarity and uniqueness: Some antique pistols are quite rare, and collectors might enjoy the challenge of finding and acquiring them. Others might be interested in owning a pistol that is unique in some way, such as a prototype or a custom-made piece.
Investment value: Antique pistols can also be valuable long term investments. The value of some antique pistols has appreciated significantly over the years. Collectors might enjoy the potential for profit, in addition to the other pleasures of collecting, but that should never be the ultimate goal, enjoyment must always be the leading factor of collecting.
No matter what their reasons, collectors of antique pistols find enjoyment in their hobby. They appreciate the history, craftsmanship, beauty, and rarity of these unique pieces.

In addition to the above, here is yet another reason why people enjoy collecting antique pistols:

Education: Learning about the history and technology of antique pistols can be a thoroughly rewarding experience. Collectors can learn about the different types of pistols that have been made over the centuries, how they worked, and how they were used.

Overall in super condition.

Code: 25007