Flintlock Pistol
Flintlock pistols were used as both military and self-defence weapons. Their effective range was much shorter than a musket and they were frequently used in combination with sword or cutlass. The flintlock mechanism was first added to pistols in 1610 and by 1630 they started to become more common. The Parliamentarian cavalry were known to use early forms of flintlock pistol during the English Civil War. They proved to be effective against the unarmoured musketeers but were no match for the armour worn by both pikemen and cavalry. During the 1700's flintlock pistols would be carried by army and navy officers, as well as more notorious characters such as pirates and highwaymen. The flintlock pistol remained popular until the middle of the 19th century when it was gradually replaced by the more reliable percussion cap pistol.This Flintlock Pistol is hand crafted in Italy. It features a real wood stock and cast metal parts with an antique finish. Although this item is designed and manufactured with display in mind, the firing mechanism does work and the hammer can be released by pulling the trigger. It is not possible to make this item fire and it is not suitable for re-enactment.Key Features:Hand craftedMade from wood and cast metal partsWorking firing mechanismFor display only - not suitable for re-enactment