what is this gun?

Question

My dad found it a long time ago in the woods by KY & OH.

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k145/kittykatkarin/gun7.jpg

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k145/kittykatkarin/gun6.jpg

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k145/kittykatkarin/gun4.jpg

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k145/kittykatkarin/gun3.jpg

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k145/kittykatkarin/gun1.jpg

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k145/kittykatkarin/gun2.jpg

its pretty old, it used to have what we though t was gold enlay all over the barrel of it and handle..some is still there but unfrortunatly it was removed..there knob on the end of the handle unscrews but we won't remove it to find out whats inside incase it wouldn't screw shut again...i want to know anything about it possible :D

THanks for any info on it..

Answer 1

As with nearly all weapons of this period (I would say between 1750-1800) flintlock muzzle-loading rifles & pistols alike were all hand-made, one at a time by master craftsmen, and very few will have manufacturer's markings on them.
Even with these photos, you would be better off having an expert in antique firearms give this fine weapon a close inspection and evaluation, as 'hands-on' is the ONLY sure way to go in such a case as this.
If any kind of provenance can be found on this pistol, its' already sizeable value could very well be doubled or tripled, at least!

Answer 2

Definately a high end Flintlock from the 1700s. These usually came in pairs and were sometimes called dueling pistols and occasionally used for that purpose. Most people would carry two pistols, often on the saddle of their horse, simply because of the long reloading time. It could well have come over here with a British officer during the revolution. It must have a great story that we will never know. The caliber of British military arms of that era was 75 cal .750" though a high end arm like that could have been made in whatever caliber the original owner wanted even if he was a British officer. It could possible have been made in America but the vast majority of weapons made here were much more utilitarian so it is most likely of British origin

Answer 3

It looks very much like a flintlock 'horse pistol`.
If genuine, even in that condition, it is valuable.
I very much doubt that it's an original though.
The condition is far too good for that if it was
found out-doors.
Some replicas were made and offered for sale
years ago.
Do have it examined by a knowledgeable dealer.

Answer 4

Looks to me like a Colonial-era flintlock pistol. If you've ever seen The Patriot, the British Dragoon commander uses one a few times. They were beautiful guns and it's really great that you've found this one. I don't know much about unscrewing the buttcap but you could definitely find out more technical specs if you saw a good gunsmith.

Answer 5

Looks like an old dueling pistol. Dueling pistols were smooth-bore so see if it has a grooved barrel or if it is smooth. Appears to be a flintlock.

These kind of pistols were made by artisans so you won't find a brand name like Colt or Ruger on them. It was a nice find.

Best.

H

Answer 6

Other than being pretty certain that is is not a military issued weapon, way too much ornate carving on the stock, I don't know what it might be.

It is a mighty nice pistol in any event.

Any markings on the lock? Or on the underside of the barrel?

Doc

Answer 7

appears to me to be a large European martial flintlock pistol