Gifted by the Duke of Bolton 1787

A very unusual gift casing of a small, Queen Anne style, all steel, French made, flintlock pocket pistol. On the inside of the lid is an engraved silver plaque which reads “Gifted by Harry Powlett Duke of Bolton To Elizabeth Carter London – 1787”.

Harry Powlett (1720 – 1794) was the 6^th and last Duke of Bolton as well as a high ranking naval officer and politician. Elizabeth Carter (1717 – 1806) was a noted poet, classicist, writer and translator of her time.

The all steel, round frame, box lock, flintlock pocket pistol features an ‘L’ shaped fizzen spring and a two stage, round cannon barrel measuring 1 ½ inches. The whole pistol measures 4 inches.

The pistol is sparsely engraved with military themes. The pistol is also engraved ‘LONDON’ on the left side but there are no English proof marks. Also, on top of the pistol is ‘A PARIS’ inlaid with gold.

The main spring is very strong but the action will not hold full cock.

The inbuilt loading tool in the grip suggests that this pistol was probably intended to be one of a pair. The Duke probably gifted the other one to someone else.

The case is leather lined with a few tools including a wooden powder flask. These tools where probably for show rather than actually intended for use.

A pistol with this sort of providence is very, very rare.

Sold as collector item only.

Price includes postage in Australia, layby available.