- Collection type
- Object
- Description
- Smooth bore flintlock pistol with brass barrel and spring bayonet. The gun is muzzle-loading and has a ramrod but has no flint.. [MdeA 02/12/2008]
- Long description
- Smooth bore flintlock pistol with brass barrel and spring bayonet. The end of the handle of the pistol is decorated with a silver face in open mouthed human form. Above the trigger and below the flintlock on one side is incised the Gill's patent and on the other side incised in calligraphy is the word patent and the number 201.[FC 02/09/2008]
- Geographical reference
- England
- Cultural groups
- English
- Person
- Maker John Gill
- Maker Thomas Gill
- Field collector John Birch-Reynardson
- PRM source William John Birch Reynardson
- Date / Period
- Date made: Before 1914
- Date collected
- By 1914
- Acquisition information
- Donated: 1936
- Materials and processes
- Material Brass Metal, Material Wood Plant, Process Forged (Metal), Process Incised
- Dimensions
- Length: max 330 mm with bayonet folded in
- Object numbers
- Accession number: 1936.18.8 Other numbers: 807, 201
- Research and responses
The Gill mentioned is more likely to be Thomas Gill (d. 1801) rather than John Gill. Both were Birmingham-based cutlers (unrelated) and active in the late 18th century, but the latter has only been described as a cutler, whereas Thomas was known also as a gunmaker who experimented wildly and and submitted a number of patents. (see RDF for 1884.27.56 .2) [HA 09/11/2009]
Search terms: Firearm Weapon, Weapon, Firearm, Firearm Accessory, Bayonet