Presented is a Pattern 1820 flintlock pistol with dark Walnut stock, in .625 caliber made by the famous John Rigby firm of Dublin, Ireland. It is marked RIGBY on the right cheek plate under the pan with Dublin on the top of the barrel and a CROWN over "illegible" on the left side of the barrel at the breech. There is an incised "X" hand carved in the butt. The ramrod is hinged to the barrel. 

It is in excellent untouched condition with a round smooth bore barrel with flat top. The firing machinery is of iron, with the trigger guard, articulated ramrod's tunnel and butt plate are made of brass. The gooseneck hammer is complete with flint. The iron surfaces have a smooth mottled light brown patina of age. The marks are sharply stamped. The stock's finish is worn off, replaced by a warm mellow look use and age. Except for a 7/8 inch hairline crack at the front of the stock on both sides just below the barrel, there are only minor scratches and age imperfections.

The NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM in Greenwich, England has an example of this pistol, shown at left, which is missing numerous parts. They date is as 1820 and describe it as: "Flintlock pistol. The walnut stock, the fore-end of which is broken off, is fitted with a brass trigger guard and brass buttcap. The brass ramrod pipe is fitted for a swivel type ramrod that is now missing. The lock consists of a flintlock with ringneck cock and flat lockplate. The steel barrel is circular in section with a smooth bore. The calibre is 0.75in. The lockplate is inscribed with the name 'RIGBY'. The barrel bears the inscription 'DUBLIN P.W.G.' and there is a crown motif over the 'P'."

 

This represents an untouched example of a scarce Pattern 1820 John Rigby flintlock built to the 1820 pattern which was used by the military and police. The CROWN imprints indicates it was in government service, but by neither of those two branches.

All our weapons are antiques, and are sold for display only. They are not
 intended to be fired.

DIMENSIONS:

Length overall   11 5/8"        
Length of barrel 6 1/16"          Bore 5/8", .625 caliber          Weight 1 3/4 pounds

RIGBY under pan

DUBLIN with Crown and mark above left

HISTORY OF MAKER: The world famous John Rigby company was founded in Dublin, Ireland in 1735 and is still in business today under American ownership. In its early days, Rigby's doing business as W. & J. Rigby during the percussion era, was particularly well known for producing high-grade dueling pistols. A London shop was eventually opened in 1865, and the Dublin premises finally closed in 1897.

Around 1880, John Rigby became superintendent of the government Royal Small Arms Factory at Enfield, and was in charge of development of the British service issue .303 British calibre rifle. He was a distinguished rifleman who had competed at international level with the Irish team, and was mainly responsible for bringing Rigby's name to the fore in riflemaking.

Rigby landmarks include the 1897 introduction of the .450 calibre Nitro Express Double Rifle; the 1899 production of the Rigby .275 calibre (7x57 Mauser) Mauser system and the Rigby .350 calibre Express Rifle; and the 1900 introduction of the .350 Mauser System.

In 1907 the Rigby .470 became Rigby's main big game double rifle, and in 1912 the .416 Rigby calibre magazine rifle was introduced. Between 1900 and 1960, the Rigby Mauser System was predominantly made in calibers .275, .350 and .416 Rigby, with some .303 calibre rifles in the early days. After that period a wider range of calibers were manufactured. Rigby also made boxlock and sidelock shotguns throughout this entire period.

In 1997, the company was sold to an American investment group.

International buyers welcome, but inquire first. You are responsible for knowing the laws of your own country in regard to the legality of receiving a "black powder" weapon by mail. We have satisfied customers in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Chile, China, Democratic Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Nova Scotia, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, USVI and the Eastern Caribbean.

SHIPPING & PACKING: The cost of shipping, packing, handling, and insurance to your destination, is an additional charge. You may email us to get these costs. We price our shipping honestly, but we expect to be reimbursed for the nominal cost of packaging materials and handling.

 

OUR UNCONDITIONAL GUARANTEE: If not completely satisfied with your purchase it may be returned, if without damage, within five days of receipt in its original packaging. Return items must be insured for their full value. A prior email authorization by us for the return is required. Unfortunately, shipping charges are not included in this offer and are non-refundable unless due to our error.

Buy this very special J. Rigby flintlock pistol of 1820 Now! What a great find for that special person who can appreciate and afford only the finest. Copyright 2008 by Land And Sea Collection™, All Rights Reserved

Select a thumbnail from the left to zoom. Image #1 Image #2 Image hosting and Zoom Gallery by VillagePhotos.com