Pistol Identification

[Copper64]

Hello, I just inherited this pistol and I’m asking for help with identifying it. It’s been in my family for a long time and I’m hoping it’s not a replica. The only thing I found when doing an online search that’s similar to it, was a pistol made by a man named “Thomas Fowler.” However, it had his name on the gun. This one does not. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you, Chris.

 

[andy52]

I'm pretty sure it's not a replica from the looks of it. I don't know anything about the makers name but I'm sure someone here will, to me it has the look of a English gun.
Just a quick search Thomas Fowler was an Irish gun maker.

 

[Copper64]

I'm pretty sure it's not a replica from the looks of it. I don't know anything about the makers name but I'm sure someone here will, to me it has the look of a English gun.
Just a quick search Thomas Fowler was an Irish gun maker.

Thank you. I appreciate the information.

 

[Robby]

I can't help you out but I think it ia a very cool old pistol!!!! About what caliber, and is it rifled? Could you take a picture with an object or measuring tape to get an idea of scale. Appears to be very nicely done.
Robby

 

[sawyer04]

From what I have seen in the past and no expert, I would say it is leaning toward the Irish lineage, except the lock markings look somewhat Spanish. No, not a replica.

 

[Copper64]

I can't help you out but I think it ia a very cool old pistol!!!! About what caliber, and is it rifled? Could you take a picture with an object or measuring tape to get an idea of scale. Appears to be very nicely done.
Robby

Looks like it’s either a 68 or 69 caliber. The barrel is not rifled. Approximately 15 inches in length. I looked at a lot of flintlock pistols on line. The reason I believe it may be a Thomas Fowler is because I found a picture of one that had very similar designs in the wood on the grip. The trigger guard was the same. Also, where the wood stops towards the front of the barrel looked to be in the same place. I tried posting a picture of that pistol that was sold by Carter’s Auction for comparison, but I couldn’t upload it. I appreciate the replies.

 

[Robby]

Thank you Copper, it is much bigger than I perceived, I bet it feels good in the hand!
Robby

 

[Copper64]

Thank you Copper, it is much bigger than I perceived, I bet it feels good in the hand!
Robby

I’m definitely very proud to be its owner. I’m hoping to hang it on the wall. If the wife lets me!!

 

[rafterob]

There may be markings on the inside of the lock and the bottom of the barrel that may help in identification. Maybe not the actual maker but country of origin at least.

 

[Copper64]

There may be markings on the inside of the lock and the bottom of the barrel that may help in identification. Maybe not the actual maker but country of origin at least.

I’ll take a look when I get home later. Thank you.

 

[TFoley]

OP, is there a way that you could align the images so that we can look at them the way most folks of my acquaintance actually look at guns? Think of it as a gift to an old man with a crocked neck. And no, it is decidedly NOT a replica, but maybe one of a what was originally a pair of gentleman's travelling pistols, used for self-protection whilst being transported around England or maybe even Ireland by carriage or stagecoach.

Here is his trade label....

Dublin



Trade label for Thomas Fowler, 14 Capel Street, Dublin.
(Period 1801-1805)

 

[Copper64]

There may be markings on the inside of the lock and the bottom of the barrel that may help in identification. Maybe not the actual maker but country of origin at least.

I took it apart. The only thing I found were markings on the bottom of the barrel. I can’t tell if they’re makers marks or old scratches. Nothing stands out to me on the lock. Should I apply gun oil to it or leave it alone?

 

[Copper64]

OP, is there a way that you could align the images so that we can look at them the way most folks of my acquaintance actually look at guns? Think of it as a gift to an old man with a crocked neck. And no, it is decidedly NOT a replica, but maybe one of a what was originally a pair of gentleman's travelling pistols, used for self-protection whilst being transported around England or maybe even Ireland by carriage or stagecoach.

View attachment 103295

Here is his trade label....

Dublin



Trade label for Thomas Fowler, 14 Capel Street, Dublin.
(Period 1801-1805)

Thank you for this. I edited the photos. I’m sure if this is what you mean. My computer and picture editing skills aren’t very good.

 

[Copper64]

After a little magnification, I found this mark on the inside of the lock.

 

[hawkeye2]

I think he meant rotate the images so they are horizontal rather than vertical. Otherwise they are great.

 

[Copper64]

I think he meant rotate the images so they are horizontal rather than vertical. Otherwise they are great.

I’ll eventually get this right. Thanks.

 

[TFoley]

This little snippet throws some light onto the rationale behind keeping a pair of large-bore pistols handy...even in Ireland.

 

[TFoley]

I took it apart. The only thing I found were markings on the bottom of the barrel. I can’t tell if they’re makers marks or old scratches. Nothing stands out to me on the lock. Should I apply gun oil to it or leave it alone?

Firstly, we need to see these barrel markings. Are these they? I can't identify them, but maybe a real expert might.

Aesthetics of the day often dictated that sundry stamped marks, such as those of proof, were concealed from a casual glance as they might detract from the elegance and beauty of the piece.

Applying gun oil to THIS lock needs to be a thoughtful and considered action, not involving a can and spout of any kind. Dave Person might be the best 'person' to advise you, but an acquaintance of mine who owns, and shoots, a selection of pairs of genuine duellers, uses a feather to apply the oil to the moving parts of his pistols. Whilst not in that fortunate position, the locks on all the guns I own that I shoot on a regular basis are similarly, and VERY sparingly oiled wherever there is metal against metal, including the inner face of the mainspring where it presses against the inside of the lock plate. IMO the marks are those of the lock-maker - I was rather hoping to see either London or Birmingham proof marks of the day. Lack of them might imply that this pistol never left Ireland until it ended up in America. Intriguing to think about that.

 

[TFoley]

I think he meant rotate the images so they are horizontal rather than vertical. Otherwise they are great.

Yes, horizontal and right way up. Like this -

 

[Copper64]

Firstly, we need to see these barrel markings. Are these they? I can't identify them, but maybe a real expert might.

View attachment 103536

Aesthetics of the day often dictated that sundry stamped marks, such as those of proof, were concealed from a casual glance as they might detract from the elegance and beauty of the piece.

Applying gun oil to THIS lock needs to be a thoughtful and considered action, not involving a can and spout of any kind. Dave Person might be the best 'person' to advise you, but an acquaintance of mine who owns, and shoots, a selection of pairs of genuine duellers, uses a feather to apply the oil to the moving parts of his pistols. Whilst not in that fortunate position, the locks on all the guns I own that I shoot on a regular basis are similarly, and VERY sparingly oiled wherever there is metal against metal, including the inner face of the mainspring where it presses against the inside of the lock plate. IMO the marks are those of the lock-maker - I was rather hoping to see either London or Birmingham proof marks of the day. Lack of them might imply that this pistol never left Ireland until it ended up in America. Intriguing to think about that.

Yes, those are the markings on the bottom of the barrel. The barrel had to be removed to see them. Thank you for your assistance.