Pair of Boxlock Flintlock Pistols by Townshend, Circa 1783

The Boxlock

English boxlock pistols began to appear around 1730 (1) and lasted well into the percussion era of the next century. With a boxlock the cock (hammer) is located in the center of the lock on top of the action. The flashpan and frizzen are located just in front of the cock on the center of the breech. The frizzen spring is fitted into a recess on top of the breech. Most boxlock pistols have a trigger guard safety. Sliding the trigger guard forward with the pistol half-cocked locks the trigger and the cock.

This pair of boxlock flintlock pistols has turn-off barrels that resemble cannons. The walnut stocks have silver escutcheons and silver butt-caps that feature a grotesque mask. The pistols both have a sliding trigger guard safety. "TOWNSHEND" is engraved on the left side (cover plate) of the locks. Two Birmingham private proof marks are stamped on the bottom of each breech, a Crown over a "P" (the gun-maker's proof) and a Crown over a "V" (the "view mark"). Three silver hallmarks are stamped on each grotesque mask, an anchor indicates the city of Birmingham, "CF" the makers mark of the silver caster Charles Freeth (2) and "L" the date letter for 1783 (3).

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