An early 18th century Flintlock Holster or Livery Pistol by William Turvey of London

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Price: £1,900

Ref: 52092429

Item Description

A very nice pistol by William Turvey who was a well known quality gunmaker in London in the early 18th century. He started his apprenticeship in 1703 and after a successful career was elected Master of the Gunmakers’ Company in 1733. He died in 1744 after which his business was carried on for a time by his widow. The lockplate is stamped W. TURVEY and the barrel is stamped with his barrelsmith’s mark.

The two-stage 18 bore barrel is slightly flared towards the muzzle. The breech is struck with London Gunmakers’ Company proof marks, the tang is engraved with foliage and the rounded lock signed in capitals. 

The full stock is carved in low relief with a foliate apron around the barrel tang. The brass mounts consist of a fine flat border engraved scrolled side-plate and an oval escutcheon containing the owner’s crest of a bird resembling a phoenix standing in its nest feeding its young. A number “2” is engraved to the bottom right of the oval. The pommel has engraved spurs and is centred with a flower head pierced in the middle by the retaining screw. The trigger guard has a moulded knopped finial. The ribbed ramrod pipes contain a brass tipped tapering hardwood ramrod.   

The barrel is 8.75 inches (just over 22 cm) long. This is a tidy fine quality pistol in fine original condition with a crisp action.

Provenance: The Professor David Weaver Collection