Bunney, London Gun.. Information?

[Inspiron]

Hi Guys


Recently i have had this "Bunney, London" gun handed down to me. However ,not being a Gun fanatic i don't know much information about it. I have taken a few photos for you guy's to look at.










Under the barrels is the numbers 3 and 4 and on the handle is an inscription which looks like "HR".

As you can see there is some damage to the top of the trigger, i am aware 1or 2 of the screw's have also been replaced.

If anyone know's anything about these "Bunney, London" gun's then please enlighten me.

Thanks in advance


Brad

[TranterUK]

Brad
Cant say much, but will try. Bunney was a London based gun maker. Lots of them in London and Birmingham at the time. It's a boxlock flintlock pocket pistol, maybe 1820/40 ish. Looks like turnoff barrels, are they key'd just inside the muzzel so as to be un screwed? If so powder would be placed in the space and a ball on top. The hammer, or cock is broken off, which might mean a swan neck rather than a ring neck, which means earlier date. Do you have it?

There were no proper police at the time so people would carry pocket or overcoat pistols for protection.

Not much help, perhaps others can add more.

[Inspiron]

Originally Posted by TranterUK

Brad
Cant say much, but will try. Bunney was a London based gun maker. Lots of them in London and Birmingham at the time. It's a boxlock flintlock pocket pistol, maybe 1820/40 ish. Looks like turnoff barrels, are they key'd just inside the muzzel so as to be un screwed? If so powder would be placed in the space and a ball on top. The hammer, or cock is broken off, which might mean a swan neck rather than a ring neck, which means earlier date. Do you have it?

There were no proper police at the time so people would carry pocket or overcoat pistols for protection.

Not much help, perhaps others can add more.

Unfortunatly we dont have the missing piece / hammer.

As i said in my original post , i dont know much about these guns, is it worth looking at getting it repaired?

Thanks again

[TranterUK]

I dont think so brad. It wouldnt be a good repair and most collectors would accept it as broken, and simply value it less. I have no idea of the value on your side of the pond but here it would be maybe $200/300.

The hammer, or cock of a flintlock was often broken off in its lifetime. The original swan neck was replaced by the ring neck to add strength because of that. My view is to accept it for what it is.

Footnote, I just asked a friend and he thinks it will be earlier, maybe 1790?

[Inspiron]

Hi

thanks for the info. Do you have any idea whose initials HR was, this is inscribed on the handle of the pistol.
thanks
Brad

[TranterUK]

No chance, they were possibly the owners initials, especially if they are in the escutchion. That's the little shield at the back.

You know these are not really my field, though I have seen quite a few. The more I look at yours I don't know if you might have something decent. I don't remember seeing a handle like that. Is that wire set into wood? and if so could it be silver? I still don't think it's of high value though. You could try searching antique pistols on the internet and sending photos to a dealer or two. Just looking at their stock will help. Search for Pocket flintlock Pistols, and maybe turnoff pistols.

My guess, and it is a guess, is that it may have be applied later to enhance the pistol.

[Inspiron]

Originally Posted by TranterUK

No chance, they were possibly the owners initials, especially if they are in the escutchion. That's the little shield at the back.

You know these are not really my field, though I have seen quite a few. The more I look at yours I don't know if you might have something decent. I don't remember seeing a handle like that. Is that wire set into wood? and if so could it be silver? I still don't think it's of high value though. You could try searching antique pistols on the internet and sending photos to a dealer or two. Just looking at their stock will help. Search for Pocket flintlock Pistols, and maybe turnoff pistols.

My guess, and it is a guess, is that it may have be applied later to enhance the pistol.

I believe the the pattern work on the handle is Silver set in wood, not sure what wood though. All the pattern work and shield etc is silver.

I have just emailed a Antique gun specialist, hopefully he can help further.

Thanks for your replies so far, has helped alot!

brad

[m.pegg UK]

Can you help me with some information about this Bunney London muff flintlock pistol?




Thankyou