Late 18th/Early 19th Century Brass Bodied Boxlock Pocket Pistol Signed Ketland & Co, Later Converted To Percussion Cap

With a top sliding safety catch and concealed trigger.  The left side of the body engraved "Ketland & Co" within an oval cartouche with Stand Of Arms behind and the right side similarly engraved with "London" within the cartouche.

Both sides have received some damage at some point, which partially obscures the engraving.

The turn off barrel unscrews cleanly and has a smooth dark grey patina.

The body and barrel are stamped with Birmingham Proof Marks.

The mainspring is strong and the action is crisp in both half and full positions with the hidden trigger dropping down as it should.

The top sliding safety catch engages correctly at half position.

The one piece slab sided walnut grip is interesting as it has been hand decorated with burnt dots to form a floral design and the initials JS and possibly the stars and stripes of America on the other side? Very curious. It also features a blank oval silver (white metal) escutcheon at the shoulder.

This little pistol shows the passage of time by the alterations stamped upon it over the years by its owners.

Barrel length 4cm, Overall length 14.5cm.

This antique pistol is considered obsolete and non functioning, and is sold as a collectable ornamental item. This product is available for purchase in the UK without a license