Rigby of Dublin .49 Cal. Side by Side Flintlock Muzzleloader Pistol Antique
SOLD FOR: $2575
LSB#: 220928KC251
Make: John Rigby of Dublin
Model: Side by Side Flintlock Pistol
Serial#: NSN
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1775-1830, Antique
Caliber: .49 Caliber
Action Type: Double-Barreled Side by Side Flintlock Pistol
Markings: The lock-plates are both marked “RIGBY”. The rib is marked “DUBLIN” and “D-C 1512”.
Barrel Length: 4.5”
Sights/ Optics: There is a bead fixed between the muzzles.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The stock is one-piece wood featuring a a slot for the included ramrod (please note, the ramrod is fixed deep into the stock and we were unable to remove it), a forend wedge, two lock-plates and a checkered pistol grip with metal cap and a medallion. Notably, there is a small chip at the very front tip of the forend, a light crack behind the opening for the ramrod, the slot for the forend wedge had moderate wear on both sides, a moderate chip above the left lock-plate, a light ding behind the top-tang, there is a gap at the bottom rear portion of the right lock-plate and a light ding at the front tip of the lock-plate. The checkering is mostly sharp. Overall, the stock is in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Bright
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are dark and coated in moderate-heavy patches of erosion. Most antique firearms have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the use of black powder as well. When fired, black powder reacts corrosively. NRA Antique Firearm Conditions Standards are quite lenient for bores. In some cases the NRA standards disregard the bore’s condition altogether.
Overall Condition: The gun has no metal finish. The gun has some scattered patches of light oxidation but remains mostly bright. There are some light handling marks, nicks and scuffs. Notably, the left lock-plate is missing its safety notch. The markings remain clear. The screwheads are lightly tooled and remain serviceable. Overall, the gun is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The safety notch on the left lock-plate has fallen off and is not included. Otherwise the action functions correctly. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: John Rigby was an Irish gunmaker who established his namesake firearms company in 1775. The company, which was originally based in Dublin, is still in business today making it the oldest gunmaker in the Anglosphere. In 1798 a massive rebellion broke out against British rule in Ireland and Rigby, an Irishman, faced persecution by the British authorities who nearly bankrupted him by confiscating his wares (he never received any compensation for the losses despite never being convicted of any crimes). In 1816 John Rigby’s son William became his partner and his company began to restore its prestige, he eventually opened a location in London as well. John Rigby passed away in 1818, but the company continued to flourish and remains a respected arms maker to this day.
This particular specimen is a flintlock side by side pistol that was made by the firm. It was likely made before the 1830s when the percussion ignition system began to supersede the flintlock. The gun has some light wear and is missing a safety notch for the left lock, despite this the gun is still nicely preserved with a pleasing aesthetic. The gun is an impressive old handgun that will surely appeal to historical collectors. Good luck on your bid!
