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Ketland Flintlock Pistols...

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Ed10000

32 Cal
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Location
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I inherited this gun and have done a bit of research already but please correct me if needed as I have no experience in this area. So far have found my time very well spent and enjoyable. The firearm is a Ketland and from what I can tell is a "trade" gun based upon the middle proof...fleur de LIS covered by a 1 which seems to be what Ketland used on their trade guns? Top proof ... Crowned crossed scepters with bpc is Birmingham Proof Company indicating built around 1813 or 1815? Is it possible was built earlier or in London? Not quite understanding that facet of my readings...

Also... The front of the gun is missing a piece and is burnt... Guessing from being a Flintlock this might be common as part of flashing? Will the missing piece substantially decrease the value of the gun and/ or can / should it be repaired?

Any idea as to the value even though I have no desire to sell but to keep it in the family?
 
Looks like a fairly standard "trade pistol." The marking between the Birmingham proofs is fairly common marking on Birmingham guns:
http://www.researchpress.co.uk/rppublishing/rplibrary/rpl002-why-the-tombstone.pdf
Thanks for your reply and the link to the proof explanation. SO then the gun would have been assembled and proofed subsequent to the establishment of the Birmingham Proof Company in 1813? And if so, in there anything regarding style or parts that would point me towards a more exact approximation in date?

And is there anything which could/should be done to repair the broken front piece near the barrel front? And a missing screw on the decorative plate on the left side of the pistol? How do you suggest to obtain parts or is this a done deal/ what you have you've got on a firearm of this age?

Thanks again.
 
Yep, with the T. Ketland & Co. marking this was manufactured c. 1813-1821. A spliced repair could be done to fix the stock, and you can get a lock screw to replace the missing one. If you can confirm the threads, you might be able to get one that fits. Otherwise, you'd need to retap the threads to fit currently available screws.
 
Would you recommend trying to repair the missing wooden section or might that devalue the gun? Could a marginally acceptable repair devalue the gun or might it be best to leave it alone in the condition as presented in the photos?

Also, where do you suggest finding a period screw or are they just not readily available? It would be nice to restore to as close to original as possible and proudly display in my home. I've just finished making a presentation case to hold this and one other pistol I now own, an Allen pepperbox in excellent condition.

Thanks
 
I’m not even close to being an expert but if it were mine, I would do as little as possible to the gun. I would try to find a vintage screw for the lock and maybe make a simple ramrod aged to look contemporary to the gun and leave it at that.
 
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Thanks for the suggestion....I was thinking the same and hoping someone would point me in that direction since I feel that working on the stock might only go from bad to worse. I'll search around for a period screw...maybe someone has one in parts.
 
Its not a' screw its a ''Side nail' this is pre Whitworth so wont be any standard but try WW re stock repair the pistol is attic pristeen its best to leave it as it is in my view . no modern gun is likley to be a match but try you wont find boxes of spares readily but you can try .
Regards Rudyard
 
PM me if you haven't found a front lock plate screw yet.

Rick

Woops. I meant rear.
No I have not been able to locate a rear lock plate screw as yet.

But did find a modern, fluted brass fitting with threads to hopefully attach a piece a dowel/wood to and finish to look as close to possible to the original gun finish. Any suggestions on how to make or purchase a ramrod would be appreciated.

I also have spent time completing a wall mounted or laid flat display box. Just waiting for a half-mortised lock to come in an I will cut in.

I would like as many interested friends and family to touch and appreciate these two pistols rather than keeping them hidden away as they have been for so many years. Any suggestions/comments regarding this would be appreciated.
 

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Its not a' screw its a ''Side nail' this is pre Whitworth so wont be any standard but try WW re stock repair the pistol is attic pristeen its best to leave it as it is in my view . no modern gun is likley to be a match but try you wont find boxes of spares readily but you can try .
Regards Rudyard
Thanks for your insight Rudyard....I've decided not to attempt a repair. The look of the missing piece is growing on me. Kinda like getting used to balding over time...acceptance and appreciation of the natural or that "attic pristine" appearance. Thanks again.
 
Its not a' screw its a ''Side nail' this is pre Whitworth so wont be any standard but try WW re stock repair the pistol is attic pristeen its best to leave it as it is in my view . no modern gun is likley to be a match but try you wont find boxes of spares readily but you can try .
Regards Rudyard
No need to play semantics. It is a screw or bolt by definition and not truly a nail though "side nail" is one of the common names for them as is lock screw or lock bolt.

Ed,
You can get ramrods from pretty much any muzzleloading supplier. Track of the Wolf has various options. You'll cut it to length and then might need to taper it by hand to fit and then you can finish it with boiled linseed oil or another easy wood finish.
https://www.trackofthewolf.com/List/Item.aspx/833/1
Track also has lock bolts, but you'll either need to match your existing threads or modify either the tap on the lock or the threads on the bolt to fit:
https://www.trackofthewolf.com/List/Item.aspx/853/1
 
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