British Steel Flintlock Belt Pistol .56 Cal 7 ½” Antique Birmingham Proof
SOLD FOR: $2,313.00
LSB#: LSB250601WB007
Make: British (all-steel Birmingham trade type)
Model: All-Steel Flintlock Belt Pistol
Serial Number: None visible
Year of Manufacture: Antique — likely late 18th to early 19th century (pre-1898)
Caliber: .56 Caliber (bore measured)
Action Type: Single-shot flintlock muzzle-loader
Markings: Crown over BP (Birmingham proof) present on the barrel tang/breech area. No maker’s name or import stamps located elsewhere. Extensive chased foliate and shell motif ornamentation on the barrel and furniture.
Barrel Length: 7 1/2” round barrel with slightly flared muzzle
Sights / Optics: No fixed sights — traditional simple bead or no-sight presentation consistent with belt pistol types.
Grip Configuration & Condition: Integral all-steel ram’s-horn style butt with incorporated sash/belt hook at the heel for wearing at the waist. The metal grip and silver cartouche panels show mellowed tooling and even patina from handling. Structurally sound with light surface wear; overall, the grip/stock rates in about Good condition for an antique metal stocked pistol.
Type of Finish: Bright steel originally; now an even gray patina with scattered light oxidation and surface freckling. Chased decorative work remains visible though softened with age.
Finish Originality: Appears original and unrestored — consistent patina in recesses and undercut areas with no signs of modern refinishing.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and red with moderate rust from black-powder fouling and scattered pitting; rifling is present but very softened. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 3/10.
Overall Condition: Metal surfaces show age consistent with a working belt pistol: even patina, light to moderate surface pitting in exposed areas, smoothing of high relief engraving from handling, and serviceable but worn screw heads. The ramrod and thimble are present and match the construction style of all-steel Scottish style, Lyon & Turnbull, a classic all-steel belt pistol with a plain metal stock, flared muzzle and an integrated belt hook; these were frequently made in Birmingham for the Scottish market and often sold as “all-steel belt pistols.”. The ornate lock parts, including the pierced wheel style finial and shaped cock are intact and add to the pistol’s visual appeal. Overall, this pistol rates in about very Good condition for a decorative all-steel belt pistol of its era.
Mechanics: The flint cock and frizzen/pan assemblies are present and operate mechanically; the cock holds at half and full and releases. The pistol has not been test-fired. As with all used and antique firearms, a thorough cleaning and professional gunsmith inspection are recommended before any handling or demonstration.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None. No provenance or paperwork accompanies the piece.
Our Assessment:
This is a classic all-steel belt pistol of the Birmingham trade family — small, robust, and designed to ride at the hip. The discovery of the Crown over BP proof ties it directly to the Birmingham proof house and strongly supports a British trade origin or at least proofing through Birmingham prior to export. The all-steel construction, ram’s-horn butt with integrated sash hook, and matching ramrod profile align closely with known Scottish and export belt pistols made in Birmingham for domestic wear or foreign sale.
Decoratively the pistol is notable: the pierced wheel finial on the lock and the finely chased foliate panels elevate it beyond a plain service piece and give it clear appeal for reenactors and collectors. I can easily picture this little pistol worn with a kilt and paired with a dirk — a living historian or period impressionist would value the combination of authenticity and ornamental flair. The lack of maker’s marks prevents precise attribution to a named Birmingham maker, but the proof mark and construction narrow the identification enough for confident cataloging. This combination of wearable historic character and decorative lock work should catch the eye of living historians and collectors alike. So bid high and bid firm. I encourage you to look at the item’s condition in our high-quality photos. Good luck with your bid.
