Richard Wilson Flint Pistols--seeking information

[jpc]

Hello:


Pair of Richard Wilson pistols as found and not cleaned.
Barrels are brass and 8" long
Muzzle is .625
Silver is hall marked dating 1770 London
Lock looks to be marked Hall with a circle around the 'all'
Any information as to history or ownership greatly is appreciated.

 

[Zonie]

Plate 41 and 42 in the book "SMALL ARMS" by Frederick Wilkinson, 1965 show two pistols very much like yours except the there are noticeable circumferential lines around the barrel where it slightly changes sizes.
The sideplate is very different being a serpent similar to those found on trade guns.

It also has a brass barrel but the furniture is brass as well.

The interesting thing about the pistol in these photos is that it is marked "I. Hall" and it carries London proof marks.

The author dates the pistols at about 1680.

Plate 67, showing another pistol similar to yours with a brass butt cap is described as having "...very long spurs." and is dated to 1730. The spurs on this pistol are no longer than the ones on your pistol.

Plate 68 shows another pistol similar to yours with "Royal Horse Guards" inscribed on it, as is "Tower 1756".
My reason for mentioning this gun is the author says, "...there is a grotesque mask on the butt cap--most unusual for military pistols. Overall length of the gun 16.5 in. Barrel length 10 in. Bore .6 in."

The Crown V and Crown GP are London Gun Company proof marks dating to 1638, which only says your gun was made after that date.

I don't have any information on the *RW mark but assume you have tracked it to Richard Wilson making my tie in with I.Hall somewhat questionable.

 

[Capt. Jas.]

This might be John Hall, the son of John who was apprenticed to his father and granted freedom of the Gunamker's Co. in 1736. I am thinking he worked into the 1770 time frame. This looks to be his later work due to the silver hallmark dates you provided. The barrel maker in fact was Wilson.

Since you can date the silver do you know the silver maker?
Do you have a photo of the tang carving?

Someone with a Blackmore's handy might be able to give a little more information on Hall.

 

[jpc]

Hello and thanks for your input. I feel confident that R*W stands for Richard Wilson, but I may be mistaken.


I have looked at the lock and for the life of me cannot see the "I"

take care and thanks again for your help

jpc

 

[jpc]

Hi
I found HI or IH next to the silver hall marks. This may be the silversmith.
I will post another picture and thank you for your help.

take care
jpc

 

[jpc]

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[JV Puleo]

There is a very good article on the Wilson gunmakers by Dr. DeWitt Bailey available from the ASAC (American Society of Arms Collectors)
http://asoac.org/bulletins/85_bailey_wilsons.pdf

Bailey is the unquestioned authority on the Wilson family.

 

[jpc]

Boy those pistols certainly are similar. Thanks for the lead.

take care

jpc

 

[JV Puleo]

The Wilson's were a prolific family but, be warned, several generations of Wilsons used the identical mark. The date marks on the silver will be a far more useful dating tool.

I believe they dominated the Anglo-American trade before and during the Revolution and were displaced by the Ketlands at the end of the century.

 

[Capt. Jas.]

There is a very good article on the Wilson gunmakers by Dr. DeWitt Bailey available from the ASAC (American Society of Arms Collectors)
http://asoac.org/bulletins/85_bailey_wilsons.pdf

Bailey is the unquestioned authority on the Wilson family.

I have always enjoyed that article but I would like to see some proof that the Wilson's produced Hudson Valley fowling pieces as shown in the article. Locks and barrels I can see. :hmm:

 

[Capt. Jas.]

jpc,

Do you have any information to suggest these may have been in America since the 18th century or are these recent arrivals?

 

[jpc]

Hi:

I have a loose history that they came from Niagara Falls NY about 50 years ago. No other information is available. The previous owner thought they were dueling pistols.

take care
jpc

 

[JV Puleo]

Thats certainly plausible. I strongly suspect that the Wilson's did most of their business with America and that what you have is about as good a pair of realistically Revolutionary War holster pistols and I've seen in years.

 

[Capt. Jas.]

Mr. Puleo,

Would you agree that other than producing the barrel, this pair has no other connection with the Wilson gunmakers?