A Brass Barrelled Percussion Pistol
A Brass Barrelled Percussion Officer Pistol by Bennett, London. With octagonal to round brass barrel, engraved ‘LONDON’ along the top-flat, stamped with London proofs and Bennets own barrel smith mark, border engraved steel tang and screw, signed border engraved lock, converted from flintlock to percussion, full-stocked in walnut with brass mounts comprising oval escutcheon engraved with the original owners initials, engraved side-plate, foliate engraved butt cap and trigger guard with turned 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 Cutler. 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: 8 Inches (20.30 cm)
Overall Length: 13 Inches (33 cm)
£475.00
