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Pistol 2016-174
"Queen Anne" Screw-Barrel Pistol
Pistol 2016-174

"Queen Anne" Screw-Barrel Pistol

Dateca.1760-1780
Maker J. Hall
OriginEngland, London
MediumIron, steel, wood and gold
DimensionsOverall: 11 1/4" Barrel: 7" Bore: .60 caliber
Credit LineGift of Tamara Mitchell
Object number2016-174
DescriptionClassic "Queen Anne" screw barrel pistol of the middle decades of the 18th century by either John or Joseph Hall of London. Integrally forged lock, breech and grip strap with mated barrel, all of which are engraved. Checquered bag-form grip dates from a late 18th c. refurbishment, likely executed at the same time the vent received a gold lining.
Label TextMade by either Joseph or James Hall of London during the mid-18th c., this pistol is of the "Queen Anne" type distinguished by its sleek lines and breech-loading screw-barrel system. Designed to fire a ball that was slightly larger than its bore, it packed quite a wallop, making such pistols extremely popular during the period. This example received a new checkered stock towards the end of the 18th c., perhaps at the same time its vent or "touch hole" was lined with gold.
MarkingsBreech struck with the View and Proof marks of the London Gunmaker's Company, with a faint, incomplete maker's mark containing a ". H" between. Both breech and barrel engraved with the numeral "1," denoting that this pistol was once part of a pair, and that each was fitted with its correct barrel.
ProvenanceFrom the collection of Dr. George W. Mitchell, III