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1840s ENGLISH Antique TWIGG Pocket or Muff Pistol
Guns International #: 100831318 Seller's Inventory #: 21734
Category: Antique Pistols - Percussion - Antique Rifles - 1500-1850
Seller's Information
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Seller: AncestryGunsLLC
Company: Ancestry Guns LLC
Member Since: 11/3/16
State: Missouri
Zip: 65203
Country: United States
Phone: (314) 707-7373
International Phone: 314-707-7373
Platinum Seller
Number of Active Listings: 1467
Total Number of Listings: 29942
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Credit Card, Certified Check, Money Order
Description:
1840s ENGLISH Antique TWIGG Pocket or Muff Pistol
Mid-19th Century HIDEOUT Carry Gun with LION Motif
Here we present a small antique Percussion Pistol, made circa the early to mid-19th century, in London by Twigg. This very small type of pistol was very popular from the 18th and into the 19th Centuries, in the British Isles, as well as the colonies. They were of course made primarily for self-defense, especially in cities or traveling around the countryside.
The top of the barrel is marked “Twigg London”. John Fox Twigg was a firearms maker in London. He was originally apprenticed to his own grandfather and his son also became a gunmaker, who carried on the family business after his father’s death in 1790. See below for a more comprehensive timeline from the Museums Victoria Collections. An interesting feature of this firearm is the threaded, twist-off barrel. This is an advantageous design in that the weapon could be loaded with a large caliber ball without using a ramrod. This helped to create a better gas seal behind the projectile, making the most of efficiency with this tiny firearm at close range. Another interesting feature is the lion’s head décor on the bottom of the pommel.
The overall condition is very good. The overall patina is mild gray. The markings, engraving and proofs are clear. The smooth bore is good. The stock is solid. The action is very good with just a little weakness in half-cock.
John Fox Twigg was born at Grantham, Linconshire, in 1732 and is listed by Heer (1978) as being apprenticed to the Irish gunmaker, Edward Newton (active 1718-1764), though no dates for the apprenticeship are offered.
By 1755, Blackmore (1986) lists Twigg working as a gunmaker from Angel Ct., Charing Cross until 1760 when he moved to 132 Strand, opposite Catherine St., and continued at this address until 1776.
He moved again in 1776, this time to Piccadilly where he remained until 1790. During these 14 years he opened several warehouses; at little Somerset St., in 1771; 30 Cornhill, 1777 and Tower Hill in 1779. His only son, John, was apprenticed in 1786 to Henry Nock, and subsequently inherited his father's business.
In 1788 Twigg formed a partnership with his nephew, John Bass (b.1761 - d.1794) although this was cut short by Twigg's death. As Blackmore notes, however, the trade directories are misleading in this respect, and show the business continuing at Piccadilly until 1795.
Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.
Barrel is 2-1/2 inches in length.
Caliber: .45
The bore and firing mechanism are in good condition with half-cock intermittent.
Overall condition as seen in photos.
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ancestryguns
$850
#21734
SOLD
Antique: Yes