A Flintlock Overcoat Pistol by Bennett, Royal Exchange, London. With octagonal to round barrel, engraved, ‘BENNETT ROYAL EXCHANGE LONDON’, stamped with London proofs and Bennetts own barrel smith mark, plain steel tang, stepped, bevelled lock signed ‘BENNETT’ within a wreath, full stocked in walnut (slither repair on right side towards muzzle) with flat sided grip, brass furniture comprising brass trigger guard with acorn finial, brass ramrod pipes and brass tipped ramrod. 

BENNETT

John Apprenticed to father, John Bennett, Cit. & Cutler, 1758; free of Cutlers Co., 1765. Elected Master, 1779, 1793. Gazetted bankrupt, 1797. John Bennett the Elder was a sword cutler and silver-hilt maker, who registered his mark as a small-worker with Goldsmiths Co., 1761. The same mark appears on silver-mounted guns apparently made by son. John 2 appears to have worked first with father at 67 Thredneedle St., then as Bennett & Rolph, Sword Cutles. Goldsmiths & Jewellers, at the same address, 1778-81; finally on his own as Sword Cutler & Gunmaker, 1781-1803. Full address on cards was ‘At the Cross Daggers, No.67 Threadneedle Street opposite the North Gate of ye Royal Exchange’ but guns were often marked simply ‘Royal Exchange’. Succeeded by Elizabeth Bennett. 

Howard L. Blackmore (1986) Gunmakers Of London, 1350-1850. George Shumway Publisher. USA.  

Dimensions:

Bore: 22-Bore

Barrel Length: 5 Inches (12.70 cm)

Overall Length: 9 Inches (22.86 cm)