New Member Comes to you for Assistance

[clee1052]

All,
I'm brand new, and come to you for assistance since you are the Black Powder Pros, and I'm not. Who am I? So you know who you are helping. My name is Chris, I live in South Carolina retired (27 yrs) LE in CT & SC, soon to be ending my FFL license (too much paperwork).

My father passed in December 2024, horrible timing a few days prior to Christmas. I as most sons, is taking care of my mid 80's Mom, cleaning up things and located a few 100 plus year old guns. This one in particular I have no clue about, all I know it was passed down through the Generations, and not shot in 100 years or so.

Does anyone know what Model this is? All I see is London and ROJ on it. If any value, and could help my Mom out during this time I would truly be grateful for any input.

Maybe I can help you in return?

Appreciate you time,

Chris Lee

 

[RockingKJ]

Lock appears to be marked “BENTLEY” Did a search using that google under “Bentley London gunmaker” came up with pics of screw barrel pistols, and one a lot like yours but bit shorter which sold 115 pounds in 2019. Don’t know what that is in real money LOL. Appears to be a quality English maker. Nice looking pistol, too bad it has a crack in the grip but if I was that old I would be more cracked than that. Sorry for the loss of your father. Expect the Letters in the oval were initials of a previous owner.

 

[Stumpkiller]

Welcome from Upstate New York's Central-Leatherstocking Region.

"Model" is mostly a term that came along after the Industrial Revolution for civilian arms. "Pattern" was what the military used to make sure the firearms were mostly similar and within specs. But the civilian market was gunsmith by gunsmith and there may only be a few of any given design produced.

 

[poker]

That certainly appears to be a well made pistol. To determine an approximate value would need more information. Does the lock function correctly? Have half cock? Is the bore in good shootable condition? Where was it made? I assume england, but sure could have been in belgium. You’ld need to remove the barrel, then look at the proof marks to know.

 

[SDSmlf]

Welcome to the forum from across the border in North Carolina.

Easy question for you that’s always where I start with a more senior muzzleloader, have you personally confirmed that the gun is not loaded?

Looks like a post 1850 gun. The more you can show and tell us about the gun, the more folks will be able to help you nail down a fair value. As others have stated, you need to remove the barrel and check for any identifying stampings or proof marks to get closer to the real story. Post clear detailed photographs of anything you find when you have them. Be careful not to damage the stock any more than it already is (Captain Obvious statement), which by the way is very repairable in its current state.