RARE PISTOL BOUGHT

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29401, 31 December 1960, Page 16

RARE PISTOL BOUGHT

A rare multi-shot flintlock pistol,' manufactured some time between 1735 and 1745, which incorporates one of the earliest types of repeating mechanisms known in ballistics, was purchased some months ago by a Christchurch antique arms collector. He is Mr Trevor Simpson, a taxi driver, of 371 Pages road, Aranui, a member of the New Zealand Antique Arms Association.

The ornate pistol, which is more than 200 years old, is in a state of remarkable preservation. One of the reasons why this is such a rare model is that it is highly dangerous and was liable to explode in the hand of the firer. Mr Simpson regards the gun as “quite a find.” The gun has a .34 bore and has a loading lever which fits alongside the left side of the butt. The balls and powder were contained in the butt and there is a separate priming magazine on the left side.

There are only five other pistols of this make known to be in existence and these are all in museums. It was taken to Australia by a sea captain who was a relation of the person from whom Mr Simpson purchased it. In spite of the tendency for this type of gun to blow up on firing, this one is known to have fired at least five shots. It is about 15 inches long and weighs 3ilb.

The pistol is loaded by revolving the main loading lever in a half circle and pointing the pistol downwards so the ball is delivered to the breach followed by the main charge of powder. The action is then completed by delivering a small charge of powder from the separate magazine and cocking the flint holder and closing the striking pin. The whole of the gun has been forged with hand tools. Mr Simpson has been interested in antique firearms since he was a boy when a relative of his had one of the biggest collections in Australia and New Zealand. For a time Mr Simpson’s hobby was motor-cycle racing but he has now turned to collecting ancient firearms.