November 17, 2020 Early Arms & Militaria: Age of Exploration, Empire & Revolution
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/17/2020
For a nearly identical pair of pistols, see plate 150 and 151 on pages 170-171 of "The Kentucky Pistol" by Chandler and Whisker. The pistols shown in the book have identical locks marked "Ketland & Co." and British proofed barrels. These pistols belonged to Colonel Cook. They also have identical brass furniture. This pistol dates circa 1780-1790, and was probably stocked in America, using American hardware and a British lock and barrel. The 10" round .62 caliber smoothbore barrel shows private British proof and view marks on the left side of the breech. The rounded lockplate is inscribed "KETLAND/ & CO." in the center and features an unbridled pan. The plain brass military-style furniture includes a British style 2nd Model Brown Bess type sideplate, a trigger guard terminating in an arrow finial, a plain brass buttcap with a triangular finial at the back, and a plain vacant oval wrist escutcheon. The stock appears to be maple. Ramrod is a replacement. CONDITION: Barrel retains a grey patina and markings are somewhat worn. Lock is in its original flintlock configuration and functions properly. Frizzen and frizzen screw are replacements. Brass retains a mustard patina. Stock shows some scattered cracks and marks from use. There is some wood replaced at the bottom of the lock, where the main screw probably broke through, and there is a small repair using brass pins above the rear lock tang. There is also a minor repair to the left side towards the muzzle. It is known that Ketland & Co. had a shop in Philadelphia, where American gunsmiths probably purchased English parts and stocked the guns using American wood and furniture. DMG
Caliber/Bore
.62 Smoothbore
Manufacturer
Ketland & Co.