Antique English Jackson, Nottingham .45 Cal Muzzleloader Percussion Pistols
SOLD FOR: $1,225.00
LSB#: LSB260622FM165 / LSB260622FM166
Make: English-made, Jackson of Nottingham
Model: Belt Pistols
Serial#: NSNV
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1830s-1850s / Antique
Caliber: .45 Cal.
Action Type: Black Powder, Percussion, Single Shot Muzzleloader
Markings: The locks, trigger guard, upper tang, hammer, and the butt cap are all engraved with a decorative floral pattern. The top of the locks are engraved with “JACKSON” / “NOTTINGHAM”. There is a medallion on the pistol grip with script lettering. There are proof marks on the bottom left side of the barrel and breech.
Barrel Length: 3 1/4″, Round
Sights/ Optics: The front sights are a small silver bead fixed at the muzzle end of the barrel. The rear sights are a small V-notch integral to the top of the breech plug. There is a sight channel the length of the barrels.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are one-piece walnut that is finely checkered with a smooth diamond on the rear and metal buttcap with a storage compartment. There are scattered handling scratches and compression marks. The checkering remains mostly sharp on both stocks, with only minor peak loss. There are no perceptible cracks. There is a minor chip on the FM165 pistol on the right side just rear of the lock. Overall, these pistol stocks rate about a Very Good condition for antique.
Type of Finish: Case-colored, Damascus, German-silver
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: Both bores are smooth bore. The bores are dull. There is erosion throughout both bores. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate about 4/10.
Overall Condition: These pistols retain about 75% of their metal finish. There are scattered handling scratches, scuffs, and wear. The case colored actions and frame show a brown patina. There is scattered corrosion pitting and oxidation throughout the metal surfaces. There is operational wear along the ramrod. The case-coloring is no longer vibrant. The markings are mostly clear on both pistols. Overall, these pistols rate in about a Good condition for their age.
Mechanics: The locks function and hold at half and full cock. We did not fire these pistols. We recommend having these pistols inspected by a qualified gunsmith before any attempts to fire. As with all used guns a full cleaning may be necessary to meet your standards. These pistols retain the original secured ramrod. The pistols also have a belt clip attached to the left side.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: Display box with a bullet mold, powder flask, wooden dowel rod, screwdriver, and four lead balls. The display box is an English-fit box with an Isaac Hollis & Sons label inside of the lid.
Our Assessment: John Low Jackson was a well-regarded Nottingham gunmaker active during the first half of the 19th century, producing sporting guns and finely appointed pistols during the rapid transition from flintlock to percussion ignition. Jackson was established in Nottingham by the 1820s and held an early patent relating to percussion ignition, with surviving pistols displaying the engraved locks, checkered walnut stocks, German-silver furniture, belt hooks, captive ramrods, and high level of decorative work characteristic of better English travelling and belt pistols. This pair’s compact smoothbore barrels, floral engraving, silver furniture, butt traps, belt clips, and percussion sidelocks are most consistent with the circa 1830-1850 period and represent the quality of pistol commonly produced for the prosperous civilian market by provincial English makers.
These pistols retain considerable antique character, with approximately 75% of their remaining metal finish accompanied by brown patina, scattered scratches and scuffs, oxidation, corrosion pitting, and subdued case coloring. The finely checkered walnut stocks remain notably strong in Very Good condition, with only minor damage including the small chip on FM165 and no perceptible cracks. Both dull 4/10 smooth bores show extensive erosion, but the locks remain mechanically functional and hold securely at both half and full cock. The original-style secured ramrods, belt clips, engraved furniture, German-silver accents, and butt-cap storage compartments provide an especially attractive period configuration. The fitted display case and accessories create an impressive presentation, although the Isaac Hollis & Sons label indicates that the case should not be assumed original to this Jackson pair. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY