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1780’S HIGH QUALITY H. W. MORTIMER SINGLE SHOT FLINTLOCK DUELING PISTOL, FRONTIERMAN’S BACKUP DEFENSE WEAPON, BELT PISTOL, 60 CALIBER BORE
Guns International #: 101094434 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Antique Pistols - 1500-1850 - Antique Pistols - Flintlock
Seller's Information
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Seller: victorio1sw
Member Since: 8/4/13
State: Texas
Country: United States
Fax:
Number of Active Listings: 4
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Bank Cashier’s Checks and Postal Money Orders.
Description:
The Pistol:
Before the Colt revolver, anyone out west with a single shot rifle needed backup firepower. The Comanches were noted for provoking that single shot, and then attacking the now-defenseless victim.
For any man who dared to venture through the western territories of the American West, there were three essential possessions: A good Rifle, a Knife, and at least one Belt (or holster) Pistol. That large-caliber pistol would be needed when attacked by man or beast, after having fired the single-shot rifle. With the flintlock system, it did not matter so much whether the pistol barrel was rifled. What made the pistol most effective was having a high-quality lock, capable of the fastest ignition, and a frizzen-pan assembly that protected the dry priming powder. Originally, this was one of a pair of cased dueling pistols. At some point in time the pair was separated for use on the frontier.
Harvey Walklate Mortimer (1753-1819) apprenticed under his father in 1772, and operated a gun shop mostly at 89 Fleet Street in London from 1779 until 1811. H. W. Mortimer was one of the best-known gun makers in England, with a reputation for the highest standards of manufacture. In time he earned a Royal Warrant, having supplied arms to the Royal family, and being recognized for supplying weapons for The Royal Mail Coaches. Today, his paired and cased dueling pistols are highly-prized by collectors and bring extremely high prices.
This pistol has an octagon barrel that measures 10” from the muzzle to its juncture with the mating tang assembly. The barrel measures 0.8” flat-to-flat at the muzzle and 0.9” at the breach. The barrel flats are also curved slightly inward toward the mid-section, or “swamped”. The manufacture of a swamped barrel, and its precise inletting into the wooden stock, requires an enormous amount of extra time over that of a straight-octagon barrel! The smooth bore measures 0.60”, so was intended for use with a 58 caliber patched ball.
For ease in cleaning, the barrel is attached to the tang by a hooked lug. By pushing the two barrel wedge keys open, the barrel will lift and unhook from the tang, instantly, and without tools.
The wedge keys originally included a capture slot, with a vertical retainer pin, that prevented complete key removal and possible loss. Today, the front key can be completely withdrawn (the tiny vertical stock pin is gone), but the rear key capture is still functional.
The barrel is equipped with the original half-round blade front sight, and the tang includes a fixed rear sight, both being steel. The exposed tang surfaces are nicely engraved. On one under side flat of the barrel are what appears to be two small proof marks.
The lock was made with an integral pan and a hammer safety. The frizzen includes a spring roller for speed in firing, and was precision fitted to cover the pan surfaces. When the gun was loaded, the hammer could be left on half cock, with a safety. When the sliding safety is in the forward position, the hammer is locked. By sliding the safety to the rear position, and fully cocking the hammer, the pistol was ready to fire. The lockplate bears the hand-engraved name “H. W. Mortimer”, with decorative engraving on the plate, safety, and hammer. The plate is secured to the stock by a single external screw, plus a small hook inside at the front of the lock. Thus, with the external screw removed, the rear of the lock must be swung outward until the forward internal hook releases. (I don’t have to mention this, but think it could become important to know).
The English walnut stock is trimmed out with an iron triggerguard and pineapple finial, an iron buttcap, and two iron thimbles. All of the trim parts are decorated with engraving. The tapered hickory ramrod has a flared brass tip on the muzzle end. The grip area was “checkered” with a cross-hatched line pattern. The result was a batch of connected diamonds, with each diamond containing four imprints that look like plus (+) marks.
This pistol shows decades of use and evenly-distributed wear, but it also clearly indicates an unusual amount of maintenance and care. Other than the ramrod, all parts are original. No keys were lost. No springs were broken. The wood and metal surfaces didn’t get beat up, and above all – it was never was converted to percussion!
The overall length of this flintlock, from butt to muzzle is 15”. From the top barrel flat to the butt, it measures 4-7/8”. The guns weighs 29.5 ounces. This early high-quality flintlock pistol would look great in anyone’s collection.
The Holster:
Comes with a rustic frontier type holster, as made of heavy saddle leather. Decorated with simple rococo patterns. The Mortimer pistol, when loaded, is secured by this holster so as to prevent an accidental "flip" of the frizzen (causing loss of primer powder). After firing, the pistol can again be returned to the holster with an open frizzen. The heavily-contoured holster pouch offers enough friction so that if inverted, the pistol says in place.
The Case:
This pistol came in an early walnut or dark-stained oak case that externally measures 16-7/8” x 7-3/8” x 4-3/16” tall. The lower section measures 3” tall. The case was partitioned for this pistol and accessories, with all internal surfaces neatly lined with a soft green velvet, as typically seen in other period casings. The partitions and corner lid appear to be made of 1/4” wood that is solidly attached to the bottom and sides of the box.
The accessories include a brass bullet mold that casts 0.584 balls, an old powder flask, some extra flints, and some old oxidized 69 caliber round balls (under the triangular lid). Depending on the method used to load the pistol, a ball starter may have also occupied one of the compartments.
This heavy case has brass trim, including the corner supports, hinges, latches, and lock. There is no key, and the lock is missing only the mating dual tabs on the lid. However, the lid can be secured closed by alternate brass latches on the front. The empty case weighs in at 6.2 pounds.
Pistol, Holster, Case, and Accessories as priced below.
Terms:
No International sales. Not being sold as a shooter, but as an original collector’s Flintlock Dueling Pistol. If you want to shoot any older firearm, first take it to a gunsmith with proper knowledge and experience and have it checked out.
Three day inspection period, but please ask questions prior to buying (see additional notes on returns at bottom). Additional pictures sent on request. Contact me by email with request for pictures, or with questions. We can then also set up a phone call to discuss all details of this antique gun.
See my 21 years of feedback ratings on eBay (user name: victorio1sw). Member NRA, TGCA, CCA, RSA, and S&WCA.
I accept Bank Cashier’s Checks and Postal Money Orders. No Western Union MO’s. Payment must be received within seven days after sale date, and sent by Priority Mail with Tracking Number provided by buyer. Shipping by USPS Registered Priority Mail (22” x 12” x 12” half price box) with insurance $66.00 (and tracking number provided to buyer). Usually shipping occurs within 3 days after payment received.
Three (3) day Inspection and Return Policy: Only if returned Exactly as Received - Not Disassembled for Inspection, Not Tampered, Not Broken/Chipped/Scratched/Dented/Scuffed, or any Parts Switched. Any Original Documentation sent Must Be Returned with item.
Price: $2,495.00
Antique: Yes