Lot 106

American Flintlock "Kentucky" Pistol

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American Flintlock "Kentucky" Pistol

Estimate: $5,000 - $7,500

Starting Bid: $4,500

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
June 27, 2026 5:00 PM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Scarce American Flintlock "Kentucky" Pistol with 1736 Dated Lock Identified as from the Alfred Gwinnup Homestead American flintlock pistols by individual gunmakers, often termed Kentucky pistols as companions to the famous Kentucky rifles, are very rare. The exact number that were made and have survived is unknown, but most collectors estimate that there are hundreds of surviving Kentucky rifles per pistol. During the colonial era, most pistols appear to have been imported from England, including the officer pistols used by the leading American officers. Following the war, English imports were cutoff for several years, but they flowed back in by the beginning of the nineteenth century creating competition that would have limited the number of American-made flintlock pistols. Aside from U.S. contract pistols, handguns do not appear to have become widely produced in America until the percussion era, making these flintlock Kentucky pistols rare and highly desirable. Like Kentucky rifles, American-made pistols show a wide diversity in form. During the American Revolution pistols were most widely used by officers and dragoons and were particularly hard to come by. For example, on April 29, 1778, Commander in Chief George Washington wrote that they had "107 carbines in camp but no swords or pistols of any consequence...I do not think it will be possible to get a sufficient number of pistols, except they are imported on purpose..." Recycling available parts was particularly common during the American Revolutionary War, and English components were pressed into use primarily early in the war before the influx of French arms and parts following the Franco-American alliance in 1778. Later in the year, 3,000 pairs of pistols were imported from France for the dragoons, but this pistol, at .65 caliber, would have been in high demand for the Continental Dragoons. It features a "TOWER/1736" signed lock with the Georgian cipher and a "crown/broad arrow" mark towards the center. The lock was likely original on a Long Sea Service pistol, and the barrel also has a faint "crown/cross scepter" Ordnance proof on top at the breech. The mounts are brass, and the trigger guard has a distinctive round finial. The maple stock has a flat sided bird's head wrist. Includes a replacement hickory ramrod. This fascinating pistol is accompanied by an April 17, 1975, dated statement from Nellie Ayers Beatty indicating: "This gun was taken from the attic of the Alfred Gwinnup Homestead near Vail, N.J. and was carried by a member of the family in the Revolutionary War." She indicates that she had been told of the gun by Alice R. Gwinnup years prior to her death in 1935 at the age of 89 and that Mrs. Gwinnup was the last member of the Alfred Gwinnup family and also a direct descendant of Button Gwinnett, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. While no direct relationship to Gwinnett was found, both Mrs. Beatty and Mrs. Gwinnup were descendants of Dr. Jabez Gwinnup (1773-1843), son of Private John Gwinnup (1749-1777) of the Morris County Militia. Private Gwinnup was a hatter by trade and is reported to have supplied hats for the troops at Valley Forge. He was killed in January 1777 when he suffered a fractured skull in an attack by Loyalists. He is buried in the Presbyterian Cemetery in Morristown, N.J. His son Jabez became a leading medical doctor in the late 18th century and early 19th century, and Private Gwinnup's grandson Alfred (1808-1888) is listed as a farmer in Warren County, New Jersey. Alice Gwinnup (1845-1935) was his youngest child. She and her eldest sister Laura (1832-1916) were the only siblings to outlive their parents. When Laura died in 1916, the Belvidere Apollo noted that the family "farm home in the Paulins Kill Valley is one of the most interesting in point of architecture and furnishing of any residence in this section and in years gone it was the scene of many a social gathering." Nellie Ayers Beatty (1892-1981) was the daughter of George Gwinnup Ayers (1853-1938), granddaughter of Laura B. Gwinnup Ayers (1827-1900), and great granddaughter of Dr. Jabez Gwinnup. New Jersey has been called the "cockpit of the Revolution" due to more battles and encampments occurring within the state than in any other former colony. The John Gwinnup House is still preserved in Morris County to this day.

Manufacturer: American

Model: Flintlock

BBL: 8 7/8 inch round

Stock: maple

Gauge: 65

Finish: bright/brass/brown

Serial NumberNSN

Class: Antique

  • Provenance: The Errol D. Severe Collection
  • Condition: Very good with attractively aged patina on the brass mounts, gray and dark brown patina on the lock and barrel along with mild oxidation, replacement cock, and moderate overall wear. The stock is fine and has some faint chips and cracks and general mild scratches and dings. Mechanically functions.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000