A Composite British Military Pistol, Circa 1690.
A Composite British Military Pistol, Circa 1690. With slender three stage octagonal to round barrel stamped at the breech with London proofs and Edward Nicholsons barrel makers mark, with associated banana lock engraved with a crowned ‘AR’ and stamped with crowned broad arrow under the pan, the lock is signed ‘DYMOND 6’ walnut full stock with raised apron around the barrel tang, thin iron trigger guard, brass pommel and single turned ramrod pipe, with a replacement brass tipped wooden ramrod.
Notes:
This pistol appears to be one from the group sold at Christies, October 1994, at which time all but one of the pistols were missing their locks.
The Christies description reads:
A Rare James II Flintlock Service Pistol, with three-stage barrel, octagonal breech changing to polygonal and struck with maker’s mark of Edward 1 Nicholson on the top flat., walnut full stock with raised apron around the barrel tang thin iron trigger-guard, brass pommel and single turned brass ramrod pipe (lock and ramrod missing), London proof marks, circa 1690.
This and the following four lots were possibly used by a militia raised by Sir John Gells son, also called John (1612/13-1689) or by his grandson, Philip (1651-1719). The former was Member of Parliament for Derbyshire from 1671 until his death in 1689, and High Sheriff for the County in 1673. The latter was a Member of Parliament for Derbyshire in 1689 and was the founder of the almshouse at Hopton.
A number of these pistols also appear in the Robert Brooker Collection. They are featured in his book, Robert Brooker, British Military Pistols and Associated Edged Weapons (2016) Colourcraft Hong Kong. Pages 43 – 55
Edward NICHOLSON
Apprenticed to Robert Silke, turned over to Michael Richardson, 1668; free of Gunmakers Co., 1675. Proof piece, 1677. Elected Assistant, 1691; Master, 1697. Gunmaker, Minories, contractor to Ordnance, 1687-1711; East India Co., 1700; Hudson Bay Co., 1687-1712.
DYMOND/DIAMOND
Charles Apprenticed to Thomas Wright, 1685; free of Gunmakers Co., 1692. Gunmaker to Ordnance, 1694-1711; East India Co., 1698-1710. In par. St. Botolph Avenue 1713.
Howard L. Blackmore (1986) Gunmakers Of London, 1350-1850. George Shumway Publisher. USA.
Dimensions:
Bore: 25 Bore
Barrel Length: 13 Inches (33.00 cm)
Overall Length: 20.5 Inches (52.00 cm)
