Help: Irish Flintlock - circa 1780 - 5 Pics

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Irish Flintlock - circa 1780 - Wallace of Dublin - .60 caliber ball

Was purchased from an old collector who bought it in the 60's. It was appraised 25 years ago at $2,250. Does anyone know how this gun was used? Anything about the maker? What it may be worth today.

IrishLeft.jpg

All original

IrishRight.jpg

At first I thought it was a replica because it's in such good shape. The ebony style rod is original to the gun.

IrishMarks.jpg

Here are the barrel marks. The workmanship is so superior I'm convinced it's genuine.

IrishName.jpg

All the escutcheons are sterling silver and so is the forearm tip. One has the original owners initials inscribed - NRH

IrishTang.jpg

The escutcheon on the bottom of the grip has a game bird carved in it. The flash obscured the bird.
 
I know that Dublin was a hotbed for duelling wheb it was ll the rage in Europe.
What better way to settle an arguement than standing up and shooting at each other!
Any hint that it might have been one of a pair(a 1 or a 2 marked anywhere)
Antiques are"nt my thing, but I know duelling pistols were a must have item for any gentleman.
 
Geezuz, that's nice. Old collectors knew how to look after their stuff.
"...duelling pistols..." They come in pairs with a box including a bunch of tools. That doesn't mean it isn't one though. Just not likely. More likely that 'NRH' was a wealthy citizen. Quite possibly English. There was no Northern Ireland or Eire then.
I'm not seeing Wallace of Dublin anywhere. Likely one of many gunmakers in 18th Century Dublin. That piece will need a professional evaluation by an antique firearm dealer. Very likely for a fee. No, I don't know of one.
You could try finding this book. Contact the author.
Irish Gunmakers by Richard J. Garrett. Self published, 2 La Hacienda, 27 Mount Kellett Rd., The Peak, Hong Kong, China. ISBN 978-988-17330-1-6.
rjgarrett2000@yahoo.co.uk
 
Very nice!
Sights argue against duelling pistol.- not normally found on duelling pistols. Also silver trim - too shiny for a d/p - provide a nice aim point for your opponent.
Also, as I understand, d/p's were never marked #1/#2 - unfair to know which one had been "accidentally" left unloaded for your opponent.
 
Very nice piece in very nice condition. The hammer appears to have been broken at the neck at some point and repaired.

My guess would be it is not a dueler, but it probably would have been one of a pair originally. Pairs can get separated for all kinds of reasons: inheritance where two parties want one each etc. etc.

It would have been cased with tools and accessories originally though, and the condition would suggest it was for most of its life.

IIRC these were called "horse pistols" as the size and weight made them unsuitable for carrying on the body. I could be wrong about that though.
 
Just had a look at my copy of "The Mantons: Gunmakers" by Neal and Back. Duelling pistols most definitely had rear sights.
It certainly has all the characteristics of a pre-1800 duelling pistol. Earliest ones were fullstocked, halfstocks a bit later. Style was quite important. Note that the lock does not have a waterproof pan, also an earlier feature. Pairs did get broken up for a variety of reasons.
Too bad about the repaired ####; likely someone snapped the lock without a flint.
 
"Wallace, Samuel (1750-80) Shop in Dublin, Ireland, and had own armourer's mark, made cased flintlock duelling pistols with silver mountings and loading accessories."
"English, Irish and Scottish Firearms Makers." A.M. Carey
 
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Absolutely stunning ! can't remember looking at a nicer piece.
Wish I could help you with the pricing, but would be worth having it professionally appraised.
Cheers nessy.
 
Appraised at over 2 grand in about 1980. That was mighty high for a flintlock at that time. You'll have to do some investigating for a price 2009. A simular Wallace or another split dueller.
This one looks very nice.
 
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