Pair of British Flintlock Pistols with Belt Hooks by Hampton
.65 caliber. 7.125" barrel length. SN: NSN. Buffed finish in the white with brass triggerguard and furnishings set in pinned walnut stock with round pommel. Pair of single shot flintlock pistols featuring octagonal barrels with waterproof pan and roller frizzen springs. Light wheat chaff engraving to the cocks with sunbursts behind pans and single line border engraving. Items further feature pineapple finials and floral engraving on the triggerguards. Lockplates are signed HAMPTON/& SON, and both barrels exhibit Birmingham proof marks to the left barrel flats. Belt hooks retained by screws on the counterpane of each pistol, and both pistols come with wood ramrods mounting horn heads.
Likely manufactured by gunmaker Thomas Hampton, who was active in Birmingham from 1807 until his death in 1824. Hampton manufactured an assortment of arms including martial and hunting weapons. In particular he advertised himself as, "manufacturer of arms to His Majesty's Honourable Board of Ordnance, and of all kinds of fine fowling pieces, guns & pistols for exportation." Known examples of Hampton's work can range from exceptionally ornate to the far more modest and utilitarian pair on offer with this lot.
This lot is located in Cincinnati.