(A) EXCELLENT RARE UNTOUCHED FLINTLOCK PISTOL SIGNED

This pistol is featured on the cover of Volume 29, No. 5 of "Man at Arms" magazine from 2007. It is also photographed and discussed in an article titled "John Philip Beck, American Master Gunsmith" in Volume 5, No. 2 of "Man at Arms" magazine on pages 18-21 written by Mike D'Ambra. Signed Kentucky pistols are very rare and signed "J.P. Beck" firearms are also seldom encountered. This pistol is in untouched condition with no damage, repairs or alterations. The 6" deeply rifled two-stage .45 caliber barrel is inscribed "J.P. Beck" on the top flat. The Germanic handmade lock has a flat plate with beveled edges and a serpentine tail. The lock features an early detached faceted pan. The brass furniture includes a flat Beck sideplate with beveled edges, trigger guard terminating in an acorn, pommel cap, single ramrod ferrule and a thin noseband. The stock shows attractive bird's head form and is of highly figured maple retaining a pleasing orange hue. There are incised borders terminating in teardrops at the back around the lock and sideplate. There is a relief-scroll design carved around that barrel tang solidifying the work of master gunsmith J.P. Beck. Complete with a wooden ramrod. CONDITION: Excellent, crisp and completely untouched and unaltered. Barrel retains a grey patina and signature is excellent and crisp. Lock is in its original flintlock configuration and retains a brown patina with action functioning properly. Brass furniture retains a pleasing mustard patina, pommel cap shows a period repair probably from time of manufacture. Stock retains its original finish and shows a few scattered storage marks and some minor chipping around sideplate. This is an incredibly rare and fine Kentucky pistol signed by a desirable master gunsmith from Lebanon, Pennsylvania. PROVENANCE: Mike D'Ambra Collection. DMG Barrel Length: 6" Caliber/Bore: .45 Rifled FFL Status: Antique Manufacturer: J.P. Beck Model: Flintlock Kentucky Pistol Serial Number: NSN