Smith London, c.1830 Percussion Pistol

Smith London, circa 1830 percussion pistol, the white metal mounting engraved 'Smith London', the underside numbered '38'; complete with further associated items, all within a kaitoke green felt-lined interior, the box stained hardwood and with brass inlay detailing, 20cm wide x 14cm deep x 6cm. Its a really beautiful boxlock travelling Pistol.

A classic Smith London percussion boxlock travelling pistol from circa 1830:

Key Features
Maker: Smith, London — a respected name in 19th-century English gunmaking.

Type: Boxlock percussion travelling pistol – a compact, self-defense firearm ideal for travel during the Georgian and early Victorian period.

Date: Circa 1830, a transitional period from flintlock to percussion systems.

Engraving: White metal mounting beautifully engraved “Smith London” – often found on the side plate or barrel tang.

Serial/Numbering: Underside marked “38” – likely a production or batch number, useful for dating or verifying provenance.

Presentation & Accessories
Box: Stained hardwood with brass inlay – typically used to reflect elegance and quality craftsmanship.

Interior: Lined with Kaitoke green felt – a rich, deep tone often associated with quality pistol cases of the time.

Contents:

Pistol with likely tools (nipple wrench, ramrod, turnscrew, possibly oil bottle)

Perhaps a small powder flask or percussion cap tin (depending on completeness)

Historical Context
Boxlock percussion pistols like this were:

Used primarily for personal defense while travelling.

Loaded from the muzzle and ignited by a percussion cap.

Considered more reliable and weather-resistant than flintlocks, which they succeeded.

Collectibility & Value
Factors influencing value include:

Condition of the pistol and accessories.

Completeness of the case and originality of components.

Engraving detail and clarity of markings.

Rarity of Smith-marked pieces with numbered serials.

Such pistols, especially cased and complete, are highly sought after by collectors of Georgian and early Victorian firearms, and they represent a turning point in firearm technology.