#305 • An Extremely Rare 4 Barrel English Boxlock Flintlock Duck-foot (S) Pistol By Thomas Archer 1776-1800

Part of The Ray Howser Firearms Collection, 1931-2026 (timed auction by Lewis & Grant Auctions)

Starting at $3,000.00

Status: Available

Live bidding starts Nov 20, 2026 10:00 AM EST

.450 bore diameter, 2.75" barrel lengths, barrels are rifled, NSN. Thomas Archer was a well-known gun maker operating a prominent workshop at 14 Lichfield Street, Birmingham, England.  To command higher prices from a more upscale clientele, Archer marked his firearms as "Archer, London" and sent them to the London proof house. A common business practice among maker's from Birmingham.  This practice also occurred in the US with Colt using the New York address, while the firearm were manufactured as where. The round barrels arranged horizontally.  The flat breech frame with light engraving, the frame sides engraved with "Archer" and "London".  Push safety.  Double neck cock (top jaw a period replacement).  Triggerguard with light engraving. Original spring steel belt hook attached to left side of the frame.  Highly figured slab side walnut butt.   Condition is good to fine throughout.  Genuine duck-foot flintlock pistols are of the greatest rarity and highly desirable.  Most examples are made from single shot box lock flintlock pistols with attached breech and lack the belt hooks. Due to the romance associated with these ultra rare flintlocks, forgeries, some inept and others quite good have been made since the early 20th century.  Identifiable by frames too narrow to support the mulit-shot barrel cluster and lack the belt hook.   This authentic example by Thomase Archer of Birmingham, a known maker of duck-foot which attest to its authenticity.  The pistol has period British proofs, double touch-hole for surety of fire and the correct proportions of frame to barrel cluster.  All of which are period correct and authentic.