Gentleman`s Pocket Pistol

Gentleman’s pocket hand pistol with working action and reproduction ivory grips, an excellent presentation piece.

In the late 18th century Charing Cross in London was a hub of gunsmithing activity. This included John Prosser, Thomas Gill, and John Knubley.

Knubley worked in London and moved his business to 7 Charing Cross in 1792. Knubley passed away in Feb. 1795 but his wife continued the business along with Samuel Brunn until 1779 and operated as Knubley, Brunn & Co., Charing Cross, London.

Brunn passed the business along to John Mallet who continued to operated at Charing Cross until 1803. In 1790 Knubley was awarded the title of Gunmaker to the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Clarence and Prince Edward.

Between 1786-1797 English pistols were often decorated in Eastern manner or "Turkish Taste". This opulent and lavish style was generally intended for Eastern Europe, Turkey, North Africa and the Middle East, but also seemed to satisfy the fashion for oriental artifacts that had developed in Western Europe. In London, the fashion at the time was described as "Turkish ornaments in the newest taste".

In addition to the curvy angle of the butt, this style rather copying oriental patterns uses traditional European motifs such as trophies of arms, running foliate scrolls, flowers, and martial figures in an opulent and massive style more reminiscent of Eastern Europen taste which is typically found on Bohemian guns. In early 18th century English gunmaking it has been referred to as the "cinoiserie" syle of decoration.

This opulent non-firing replica is reminiscent of pistols produced at Charing Cross by Knubley and Brunn between 1795-1797. In a "Belgian" design motive, this pocket flintlock has an intricately engraved filigree design metal barrel, antique finish and faux ivory grips.