GEORGE GOULCHER FLINTLOCK PISTOL
George Goulcher, Philadelphia 1800-1850
This gunsmith, George Goulcher is likely not related to the large Golcher family of Philadelphia locksmiths and barrel makers. Recent research indicates it was made by George Goulcher of New York City. The pistol is marked on both the barrel and the lock. The tiger maple stock is strongly grained with a grip finely cross-hatched. The hardware is brass including a stunning American eagle side plate. This pistol is in amazingly fine condition with no issues. A substantial pistol 13" overall, 56cal.
Good signed antique pistols at this level are hard to come by...
SOLD
ROBSON DOUBLE BARREL TAP PISTOL
UNKNOWN GUNSMITH, marked Robson, Morpeth, England
This nicely made flintlock pistol is marked Robson on one side of the box-lock and Morpeth on the opposite side. Virtually nothing is known about Robson, but this pistol can be dated to the late 1700s -early 1800s when such self-defense pistols were popular in England. It is believed this style of the small pocket pistol was often carried by women and were referred to as "muff" pistols. This pistol is double-barreled with two powder pans. A plain walnut grip with a silver thumbpiece is mounted to a well-made and engraved frame, which is marked with English proof and viewer marks.
It is unusual that this pistol is marked as being made in Morpeth, England, a small village in the far north of England not far from the Scottish border - a village not known for gun making.
6" overall with boxlock, safety, in fine condition with all parts working. Note: The grooves at the muzzle are not rifleing, they are to insert a muzzle wrench to remove the barrels.
SOLD
HALBACH & SON FLINTLOCK PISTOL
Halbach & Son, Baltimore, c1800 pistol
Charles Halbach and his son imported flintlock pistols from Europe, and most we have seen appear to be Belgian-made. The pistols vary in quality and some have steel barrels and little carving. This sample has a nice brass cannon barrel and raised carving on the walnut stock. The side plate and trigger guard of French style are typical Halbach, as is the distinctive brass buttplate with the "chicken" eagle and 13 stars so often seen on Halbach imports.
This particular Halbach pistol is in excellent condition and can be considered one of the better examples found.
Unmarked, 12" overall, smoothbore
$4,750.
EARLY BRITISH PISTOL
Unknown British gunsmith ~ Mid 18th century pistol - 14.5" OA, 9" barrel, .60 cal, smooth.
Here is an early pistol with all the features of a 1750-70 British-made holster pistol - including the cornhusk finial on the trigger guard and, a two-screw lock with no bridle and no roller on the frizzen. The round barrel is engraved near the breach and the barrel is marked with what appears to be two viewer marks, which would suggest the barrel was not proved. The flintlock is nicely engraved but is not marked. A raised carved finial at the end of the tang connects to the carving on either side of the tang. An engraved brass thumbpiece is between the engraved butt cap and the tang. The walnut stock has been repaired around the muzzle end ramrod pipe, which may not be original. Wood just in front of the lock has been repaired, and underneath the lock is a small sliver replaced- the pistol is priced accordingly. The pistol has all of the details collectors like to see on British pistols. This is a handsome elegant pistol displaying the earlier style of the classic British holster pistol, used before or perhaps during the American Revolution.
$4,500.
COLT MODEL 1851 NAVY PISTOL in case
COLT NAVY 1851 MODEL REVOLVER, c1853 in case
This model was popular during the Civil War and on the frontier of the American West. It is a Colt Third Generation .36cal. percussion cap pistol, six-shot with a 7.5" octagonal barrel marked ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW YORK CITY, with matching serial number 22112 in all the right places. The roll engraved cylinder maritime scene is approx. 40%. The brass frame shows 30% silver plating. The varnished walnut stock is in fine condition. The pistol has no issues and is in complete working order.
The later made wooden case contains, a 6.5" copper and brass flask with tight seams. a Colt marked bullet mold, a tin of percussion caps and misc. balls and bullets and case key.
SOLD
TWO HISTORIC MARTIAL PISTOLS
MODEL 1836 and MODEL 1842 Martial pistols ...
Two of America's most famous martial pistols from the earliest flintlock model to the later percussion model. Buy as a pair at a discounted price or buy individually.
ANNUAL SHOWS
Many of the firearms seen on this website will be on display at the 2024 Eastern Pennsylvania Long Rifle Show, York, PA September 27-28.
and the
Forks of the Delaware Gun Show, Allentown, PA October 18-20.
Call 410 - 370 -1959 at the show.