Lot 43
Pair of British Flintlock Pistols with Belt Hooks by Hampton
Sale 2030 - Arms, Armor and Militaria
Oct 23, 2024 10:00AM ET
Live / Cincinnati

Estimate
$1,200 - $1,800
Lot Description
Pair of British Flintlock Pistols with Belt Hooks by Hampton
.65 caliber. 7.125" barrel length. SN: NSN. Buffed finish in the white with brass triggerguard and furnishings set in pinned walnut stock with round pommel. Pair of single shot flintlock pistols featuring octagonal barrels with waterproof pan and roller frizzen springs. Light wheat chaff engraving to the cocks with sunbursts behind pans and single line border engraving. Items further feature pineapple finials and floral engraving on the triggerguards. Lockplates are signed HAMPTON/& SON, and both barrels exhibit Birmingham proof marks to the left barrel flats. Belt hooks retained by screws on the counterpane of each pistol, and both pistols come with wood ramrods mounting horn heads.

Likely manufactured by gunmaker Thomas Hampton, who was active in Birmingham from 1807 until his death in 1824. Hampton manufactured an assortment of arms including martial and hunting weapons. In particular he advertised himself as, "manufacturer of arms to His Majesty's Honourable Board of Ordnance, and of all kinds of fine fowling pieces, guns & pistols for exportation." Known examples of Hampton's work can range from exceptionally ornate to the far more modest and utilitarian pair on offer with this lot.
This lot is located in Cincinnati.
Condition Report
Good. Bores are very dark with oxidation and patina throughout. Metal finishes show brown patina on the edges with some light pitting on the cock jaws and around touch hole. Stocks exhibit cracking to the forend surrounding the ramrod cutouts, along with dents and scattered mars overall. Both pistols show signs of polishing and refinishing of both the wood and metal. One pistol shows a large split on the right wrist behind the lockplate that has been polished down. Same pistol has a detached cock and is missing the hammer screw, and shows a shattered forward edge to the tumbler nut. Action of complete pistol is functional.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Hindman staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Hindman website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Hindman.

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