(A) FORSYTH PATENT PILL-LOCK PISTOL

Alexander J. Forsyth was a Scottish church minister and firearms inventor whose work on percussion ignition helped bring the flintlock era to a close. His improved sliding action used an explosive "pill" and became known as the pill-lock. Circa 1818 he started production of the pill lock system in long arms and handguns. Forsyth pill-lock belt or greatcoat pistols are quite rare today, and are infrequently encountered in any form of good condition. This greatcoat pistol has a browned octagon barrel with patented breech and is marked " FORSYTH & CO PANTENT GUN MAKERS LONDON" on top barrel flat. A large deep London proof is on the left upper barrel flat. The case color finished sliding primer pill lock action is finely scroll engraved and marked "FORSYTH & CO LONDON" at center. Mounted in a one-piece, oil-finished walnut stock with bag grip. Steel tulip pattern loading rod with 2 rod guides. An elaborately engraved, nitre blue-finished trigger guard with a single trigger. The barrel is retained with 2 iron cross wedges. A small German silver name plate at wrist in the shape of a shield remains blank. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, having the original finishes refreshed at an earlier time with excellent bore. Crisp markings. The stock is very fine with a small crack at the muzzle end from shrinkage. Mechanically excellent. An extremely fine example of one of the most important firearms developments.

Name

Value

Barrel Length

Caliber/Bore

.70 Smoothbore

FFL Status

Antique

Manufacturer

Forsyth

Model

Pill-Lock

Serial Number