Ref 3781. A very long pair of high quality brass mounted flintlock pistols. Circa 1720-1740. None Muzzleloader

Largest selection of genuine antique weapons for sale in UK. See our website andrewbottomley.com Ref 3781. A very long pair of high quality continental flintlock pistols. Circa 1720-1740. This type of very long pistols were treasured by pirates and other sea-men. The 14.5 inch brass barrels stamped CARTIE and H. S. N. 40. Large brass butt caps, matching ramrod pipes and trigger guards. Pierced brass side plates terminating in monsters heads. Brass tipped ram-rods. Some minor dings and scratches to the stocks during it's working life and a small chip near the side plate on one pistol, a small repair to the fore-end on one pistol, one stock cracked. Overall lengths 22 inches. Actions in good working order. Piracy peaked between 1690 and 1730 for several reasons. There were lots of vulnerable ships to attack that carried slaves from Africa to the Americas and sugar, rum and other goods from the Americas to Europe. Additionally the English and Dutch governments had used privateers during the War of the Spanish Succession. When this war ended in 1714, many privateers turned to piracy rather than accepting a less affluent life as a sailor on a merchant ship. New colonies on the American coast did not generally have the means to defend themselves against pirate attacks, so they became easy targets. Pirates had several portable weapons to choose from which they could use when boarding vessels. All of them had the disadvantage that they could only fire one shot and then had to be reloaded which took time that often was not available in the heat of battle. In addition, gunpowder weapons needed dry weather to work best, making them often unreliable and misfired or exploded. Some pirates compensated for these defects by carrying several weapons at once, the most famous of these was Edward Teach better known as Blackbeard, who was said to have fought with six pistols hung from sashes across his torso. Below is a picture of Black Beard with his selection of flintlock pistols. Ref 3781 This is an obsolete antique item and is sold as a collectors item only. No Licence is required in the United Kingdom. If you wish to purchase this item please visit our website andrewbottomley.com where you can pay by credit/debit card. Established 1968.