Flintlock Box-Lock Turn-Off Pistol
Turn-off pistols first appeared around the 1640s and gained particular popularity in England in the 18th century. The barrels of turn-off pistols unscrew ahead of the chamber, allowing for the ball to be set directly into place, rather than loaded through the muzzle. A ball loaded via the turn-off system could be slightly larger than a muzzle-loaded ball as it was not necessary to make it a size that would pass easily through the barrel during loading. It could fit in the bore more tightly, and thus achieve increased velocity and accuracy when fired. This box-lock pistol exhibits typical formal features of English turn-off pistols of the mid- to late 18th century, including: a smoothbore barrel resembling a cannon in appearance; a box-lock forged together with the breech; a short, swollen butt; and a silver mask butt cap. The grip is inlaid with silver wire scrollwork. Pistols of this type are often referred to as Queen Anne pistols, despite the fact that most were produced after the Queen’s death (1665–1714).
Artwork Details
- Title: Flintlock Box-Lock Turn-Off Pistol
- Gunsmith: Ketland (British, London and Birmingham, active mid- 18th century–1831)
- Silversmith: Possibly Charles Freeth (British, active late 18th century)
- Date: ca. 1770–80
- Geography: Birmingham; London
- Culture: British, probably Birmingham
- Medium: Steel, wood (walnut), silver
- Dimensions: L. 8 3/8 in. (21.3 cm); L. of barrel 4 in. (10.2 cm); Cal. .44 in. (11.3 mm); Wt. 10. 6 oz (300.5 g)
- Classification: Firearms-Pistols-Flintlock
- Credit Line: Gift of Christian A. Zabriskie, 1937
- Object Number: 37.189.4
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
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