Good And Early English Flintlock Turn-Off Barrel “Queen Anne” Pistol By Peter Gandon Circa 1740

5 and 3/8th inch turn off smoothbore barrel with cannon muzzle. 65 caliber. Engraved at breech with foliage and “LONDON” engraving worn. Signed under breech “GANDON” with London gunmaker’s proofs and engraved “2”. Sidelock mechanism with swan neck cock, external frizzen spring and push-on safety. Engraved steel triggerguard (worn).

Highly figured bulbous walnut butt with finely executed cast and chased early type silver grotesque mask. Unusually elaborate silver thumb piece with owners initials and grotesque mask below, a highly unusual and desirable feature. Butt with relief carved shell behind tang.

This fine “Queen Anne” pistol works well on both half and full cock and the bore is fair. A lovely early example by the son of one of the early 18th century most famous English gunmakers.