Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
01.C.93 |
Object Name |
Pistol |
Title |
Flintlock Pistol |
Artist |
Hughes, T. |
Place of Origin |
Cork, Ireland |
Date |
1710-30 |
Description |
Flintlock pistol, fitted with brass trigger guard, lion head mask butt plate, and inlaid brass escutcheon plate on the grip. Made by T. Hughes, Cork, Ireland, 1710-1730. |
Label |
This flintlock pistol, a common military weapon in the 18th century, was reputedly owned and used by Thomas Barnsley, an early member of the APS. Born in 1726 in Sheffield, England, he came to America as an officer in the British army and fought during the French and Indian War. Barnsley settled in Bensalem, Pennsylvania and, while a member of the APS, did not attend meetings regularly. On a trip to England in 1766, he returned with four of his sister’s children, one of whom changed his last name to Barnsley. Edward Barnsley, the donor of this pistol and biographer of Thomas, is a descendant of that adopted son. Edward Barnsley also donated several letters to the APS Library manuscript collection. |
Dimensions |
W-5 L-13.25 inches |
Credit line |
American Philosophical Society. Gift of Edward R. Barnsley. |
Search Terms |
18th century eighteenth century weapon |