Object Title

Flintlock breech-loading rifle - By John Hirst

Flintlock breech-loading rifle - By John Hirst

Date

about 1760

Object Number

XII.257

Provenance

Old Tower Collection

Physical Description

The breech consists of a screw-plug below the barrel, the breech-lever forming the trigger-guard. The Barrel has a short sighting flat inscribed HIRST-TOWER-HILL-LONDON and is slightly engraved with foliage. No proof or maker’s marks. Rifling of twelve grooves. The Lock with slightly convex lock-plate and swan-necked cock is inscribed Hirst. Steel mounts engraved with foliage, the screw-plate also decorated with a stag hunt. Ramrod restored. Stock stamped with Storekeeper’s mark.

Techniques

Engraved

Materials

Dimensions

BarrelLength34 in
BarrelLength864 mm
OverallLength49.6 in
OverallLength1260 mm
OverallWeight3.7 kg
OverallWeight8.11 lb

Firearms/Artillery

Serial Number None visible

Calibre

0.625 in

Inscriptions and Marks

Maker
HIRST-TOWER-HILL-LONDON.
Barrel
Engraved
Storekeeper's Mark
Not visible
Stock
Stamped

Associations

Notes

Probably one of the two rifles 'bullet guns pluged at the handles and steel mounted', bought by the Board from John Hirst in 1762.