Description:
One of a pair (with 55.094) of English muzzle-loading flintlock pistols stamped "BATE * LONDON" on the top of the barrel and "BATE" on the lockplate, for Elijah or Edward Bate who worked in London and Birmingham. The touchmark on the barrel with a star: "E*B" stands for Elijah or Edward Bate. It is between two London proof marks: a crown over an enjoined "GP" (a London proof mark of the Gunmakers' Company) and a crown over a "V" (London viewers' mark). Proofing in Great Britain dates back to 1637, when the Gunmakers Company of London was incorporated under a Royal Charter. Proof was necessary to protect the public against the many unsound arms then being made and sold, which not only endangered the public but, indirectly brought discredit upon reputable gunmakers. The Gunmakers Company secured its Ordinances in 1670 and from that time was enabled to enforce proof in and around London; the original proof marks are still in use today. The Birmingham Proof House was established in 1813, by Act of Parliament, which replaced the system of private Proof Houses in use in Birmingham, another major gun making center. There are three London hallmarks for 1782 on the trigger guard strap: a lion passant (facing left), crowned leopard's head, and small "g" in a cut-cornered-rectangle; and a touchmark, "MB" in roman letter in a rectangle. The only "MB" that appears to match is for Matthew Boulton of Birmingham. The pistol has a full walnut stock, engraved silver mounts, ivory flints, steel lock and barrel, and brass bands.
Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+55.097 |
