Forsyth & Co Dueling Pistol c 1838

The name of Scottish, Reverend Alexander John Forsyth (1767 – 1843), looms large in the history of firearms. His patent, granted 1807 for locks using fulminates, has an ignition system that eventually led to the development of the percussion cap.

Offered here is a rare and distinctive, percussion dueling pistol from the Reverend’s own, ‘Forsyth & Co’ gun enterprise in London.

The heavy, swamped, smooth bore, .50 caliber, Damascus barrel measures 9 inches from the breech with the whole pistol measuring 14 ½ inches.

The barrel features fixed rear and front sights, two transverse platinum bars and a pin holed platinum vent plug. The breech has a very distinctive underside ‘C’ shaped curl. See photos.

The back action lock, hammer, barrel tang and spur trigger guard have delicate folate engravings. The lock is engraved ‘FORSYTH & Co PATENT’ and the barrel ‘FORSYTH & Co PATENT LONDON’.

The action is in very good working order.

The serial number ‘4222’ is found on the trigger guard tang. This number puts manufacture in 1838 or 1839. The pistol has not been dismantled to check for numbers inside the lock or breech.

The walnut, checkered grip, with vacant silver echelon, terminates with a flat oval cross section.

A very, very rare opportunity to own a pistol from one of the real greats of gun lore, the Reverend Alexander Forsyth.

Sold as a collector item only.

Price includes standard postage in Australia, lay buy available.