43 of 262 lots
43
Pair of British Flintlock Pistols with Belt Hooks by Hampton
Estimate: $1,200-$1,800
Sold
$900
Live Auction
Arms, Armor and Militaria
Location
Cincinnati
Description

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.

Condition
Good. Bores are very dark with oxidation and patina throughout. Metal finishes show brown patina on the edges with some light pitting on the cock jaws and around touch hole. Stocks exhibit cracking to the forend surrounding the ramrod cutouts, along with dents and scattered mars overall. Both pistols show signs of polishing and refinishing of both the wood and metal. One pistol shows a large split on the right wrist behind the lockplate that has been polished down. Same pistol has a detached cock and is missing the hammer screw, and shows a shattered forward edge to the tumbler nut. Action of complete pistol is functional.