This German Flintlock Pistol from the early 18th Century is one of the earliest flintlocks made. This replica gun features a wood stock, engraved lock, and simulated engraved blunderbuss barrell and trigger guard. This is a great colonial or pirate themed decoration or military collectible.

Flintlock pistols were so called because the lock uses a flint to strike sparks into the priming pan when the trigger is pulled. A small amount of gunpowder in this pan is ignited, which in turn ignites the main gunpowder charge in the barrel, firing the lead ball. Both the main charge and the ball were loaded from the front, or muzzle, of the barrel, after which the priming charge was poured into the pan – all very time consuming! Often the priming charge would burn but fail to ignite the main charge – whence the expression flash in the pan! The original of this particular flintlock pistol was made in London during the 18th century. This non-firing version is accurately detailed - a great costume or conversation piece.