1790s Clarkson London Flintlock
This is a genuine 1790s English flintlock bearing the lock marking of Clarkson, London — a compact, elegantly proportioned travelling pistol made at the height of the Georgian era by one of London's established gunmakers. At approximately 8 1/8" in overall length, this is precisely the kind of pistol carried by gentlemen, naval officers, merchants, and travellers across the British Empire at the close of the 18th century.
London in the 1790s — the world's finest gunmakers at their peak
The 1790s were the defining decade of the London gunmaking trade. Britain was at war with Revolutionary France from 1793, demand for quality firearms had never been higher, and the master gunmakers of the city — operating from workshops in the Strand, Piccadilly, and the City — were producing the finest pistols in the world. The London proof mark stamped on barrels of this era was recognized from the Caribbean to India to the Americas as a guarantee of quality. Each pistol produced by a London maker was the result of highly specialized craft — a master gunmaker overseeing a locksmith, barrel forger, stocker, and engraver working in concert to produce a finished piece of extraordinary precision. This is a tangible relic of Britain at the turning point of the modern world.
Antique firearm classification — important information for buyers
Under U.S. federal law (Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16)), any firearm manufactured on or before December 31, 1898 is classified as an antique firearm and is not considered a firearm under the Gun Control Act of 1968. As a genuine 1790s piece, this pistol qualifies as an antique — no FFL license, background check, or special transfer is required for purchase or possession in the United States. It may be legally shipped to most U.S. states and to many countries worldwide. Buyers outside the United States should consult their local laws prior to ordering, as international antique firearm regulations vary by country. This is sold as a collector's item and historical artifact. Any attempt to restore an antique firearm to operational condition is strongly discouraged and undertaken entirely at the buyer's risk. Cannot ship to NJ, NY, IL, OH, CA, HI and Washington DC. International customers: verifying this can be legally imported is your responsibility.
| Era | 1790s — Georgian period |
| Maker | Clarkson, London |
| Overall length | Approx. 8 1/8" |
| Ignition system | Flintlock |