Working History — C. 1790
Pistol, pocket pistol
Pocket pistols were usually carried by travellers for protection against highwaymen and footpads. Double-barrelled 'over-and-under' pistols gave the user a second shot in the event of a misfire, a risk when using a flintlock weapon in wet weather. The barrels could be fired one at a time using the switch on the side to adjust the tap in the priming pan. The tap was bored with touch holes which directed the spark into the relevant barrel. Brass barrels had the advantage that they were less prone to rust in damp conditions.
- Category:
- Working History
- Object ID:
- A12814
- Object name:
- pistol, pocket pistol
- Object type:
- Artist/Maker:
- Oakes, Samuel
- Related people:
- Related events:
- Related places:
- Production date:
- c. 1790
- Material:
brass, wood, steel
- Measurements/duration:
- L 203 mm, W 30 mm, H 110 mm
- Part of:
- —
- On display:
- —
- Record quality:
- 100%
- Part of this object:
- —
- Owner Status & Credit:
Permanent collection
- Copyright holder:
digital image © London Museum
- Image credit:
- —
- Creative commons usage:
- —
- License this image:
To license this image for commercial use, please contact the London Museum Picture Library.