Ashton British Flintlock Belt Pistols Pair .58 Cal 9.5” Antique Sash Hooks
SOLD FOR: $2,251.51
LSB#: LSB250727AM104 & LSB250727AM105
Make: Ashton (Birmingham Contractor)
Model: Belt (Sea-Service / New Land Pattern–Style) Flintlock Pistols, Sold as a Matched Pair
Serial Number: None
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1810–1830 (Antique)
Caliber: .58 Caliber Smoothbore
Action Type: Single Shot, Flintlock, Muzzle-Loading Pistols with Belt (Sash) Hooks
Markings: Both lockplates are stamped “ASHTON” and bear small “B & P” inspection marks beneath the pans. Barrels are proofed with Crown over GP and Crown over V Birmingham marks, consistent with early 19th-century British production. Brass furniture is unnumbered and uninscribed, typical of private-contract arms.
Barrel Length: Approximately 9.5” measured to the tang
Sights / Optics: Fixed front bead sight; no rear sight, as was standard for service pistols of the period.
Stock Configuration & Condition: Each pistol features a one-piece walnut stock with a brass butt cap, trigger guard, ramrod pipes, side plate, and sash hook. AM104 exhibits scattered dings, small wood losses along the fore-end, and a period armorer’s washer beneath the cock screw. AM105 shows a stable crack through the brass trigger guard but remains solid overall. Both have a rich aged finish with light handling marks and honest service wear.
Ramrods: Each retains its original blackened wood ramrod with a conical, trumpet-like taper at the tip, without metal ferrules or tips.
Type of Finish: Originally bright, now showing a uniform aged patina over iron with mellow brass furniture.
Finish Originality: Original with appropriate period maintenance and no modern restoration.
Bore Condition: Both smoothbores display moderate frosting and oxidation consistent with age and black powder use. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate 5/10 for antique pistols.
Overall Condition: The metal surfaces have turned to an even gray-brown patina with fine age texture. The brass furniture has developed a pleasing golden tone. AM104’s small fore-end chips and AM105’s cracked trigger guard are characteristic of genuine age rather than damage. Both retain a strong visual appeal and integrity for their period.
Mechanics: Both locks are functional and spark reliably, with strong mainsprings. AM105’s flint could benefit from light napping for the best ignition performance. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Accessories: None.
Our Assessment:
This matched pair of Ashton-marked flintlock belt pistols represents classic Birmingham private-contract manufacture from the early 19th century. The combination of Crown over GP and Crown over V proofs, “B & P” inspection marks, and Ashton’s Birmingham signature aligns with pistols produced for naval, militia, and private service between the Napoleonic era and the 1830s.
Their .58 caliber smoothbore design made them versatile and effective for close-quarters defense, a common chambering for both cavalry and sea-service pistols of the period. The brass-mounted stocks, robust sash hooks, and straightforward lockwork all reflect practical construction aimed at hard service and reliability in harsh conditions.
This pair stands out for completeness and authenticity—both locks function strongly and spark properly, both retain their original conical wooden ramrods, and both display a consistent, untouched patina. The small field repair on AM104 and the minor guard crack on AM105 add rather than detract from their story. Together, they form a well-matched and eminently display-worthy example of early 19th-century British flintlock craftsmanship. So bid high and bid firm. I encourage you to take a look at the condition of the revolver in our high-quality photos. Good luck with your bid. -K.F.
