A VERY GOOD SCARCE REVOLUTIONARY WAR PERIOD PATTERN 1756 “LONG” SEA SERVICE PISTOL, by “BRANDER” ca. 1770s: In overall very good, original flintlock condition. Regulation length, round, iron, .56 caliber, smoothbore, 12 1/8″, pin-fastened barrel with two early London Gunmaker Co. proof-marks with a “WB” (William Brander) maker’s mark, on the left side of the breech. Untouched dark steel-gray surfaces with a fine touch hole and a very good bore. Molded and carved Walnut fullstock of Pattern 1756 form with a raised beavertail apron, at the barrel tang and simple points, at the lock and sideplate mortises. The lock of standard P. 1756 design with a flat lockplate, its original plain reinforced hammer, Faceted bridle-less powder-pan and arrowhead finial frizzen-spring. The face of the lock engraved with a clear “BRANDER” maker’s signature for William Brander of London, UK, (wrk. 1767-1779) and was a noted gunsmith and military supplier/Contractor. (Please see H. L. Blackmore’s: “Gunmakers of London…”, pg. 59). Sea Service-type brass furniture: a screw-fastened, heavy, bulbous butt-cap with short side-terminals. The trigger-guard with a pointed forward finial. Two (2) barrel-form ramrod pipes; and the flat sideplate with tail. Retains both its original sidebolts with the belt-hook long removed. In overall very good original flintlock condition. The barrel and mechanism with generally smooth, dark-gray toned surfaces with clear markings and some expected discoloration. In mechanically functional order with a strong mainspring and fine timing: untouched surfaces. Very good stock with approx. 65%+ finish, sharp contours, some minor handling marks, tight hairlines/old repairs, loss of finish, minor chips and scattered light abrasions. The hardware with golden mustard-toned, smooth, brass surfaces. Associated flared-tipped wooden ramrod. Overall length 19 1/2″. A scarce and seldom seen American Revolutionary War Period Commercially-manufactured English Pattern 1756 Naval/Sea Service Pistol, ca. 1770s. For similar examples and additional information, please see G. C. Neumann’s: “Battle Weapons…”, Gilkerson’s: “Boarders Away…”, vol. 2 & D. Bailey’s: “Pattern Dates For British Ordnance Small Arms…”, pg. 22, 29, 48 & 90.
Images and description courtesy of Paul’s Antique Arms & Armour at: http://www.ambroseantiques.com/fpistols.htm