Original Item: Only One Available. This is a truly honest and splendid MIQUELET pistol, made by a famous Spanish Maker who worked in both Madrid and Valencia from 1740  until 1760. Jusepe Bustindui was also the father of Juan Esteban BUSTINDUI, who continued in his father's trade from 1780 up until 1820.

Measuring almost 13" in overall length the barrel is 7 1/2" and octagonal becoming round half way to the muzzle. The bore is about .67 of an inch. The beautifully made lock is in the best Spanish Miquelet tradition showing minimal engraving as decoration. The miquelet lock has a functional half cock position, which is linked to the trigger. The lock fires from full cock, and the frizzen is intact and functional. The mounts are all of iron and the pistol has an almost 4" belt hook mounted on the left hand side, for ease of carriage in any waist belt especially favored by Spanish Seamen.

It comes with its original horn-tipped ram rod, complete with it iron worm to rear for extracting an unfired charge. The barrel has a Cartouche over the breech in GOLD displaying the Maker's information:-

This same cartouche is replicated on the bottom of the trigger guard, without the JPH on top.

From a private Collection in England no doubt liberated from Spain by one of the Duke of Wellington's soldiers. Not a lavish pistol but steeped in quality and condition. Fully cleaned and ready to display!

History of the Miquelet Lock:
Miquelet lock is a modern term used by collectors and curators, largely in the English-speaking world, for a type of firing mechanism used in muskets
and pistols. It is a distinctive form of snaplock, originally as a flint-against-steel ignition form, once prevalent in Spain, Portugal, Italy, the Balkans, North Africa, Ottoman Empire and throughout Spain's colonies from the late 16th to the mid 19th centuries.

The term miquelet lock was not recorded until the 19th century, long after the appearance of the mechanism in the 16th century, and is of uncertain origin. One commonly held view is that it was coined by British troops in the Peninsular War to describe the style of musket used by the Miquelet (militia) that had been assigned to the Peninsular Army of the Duke of Wellington.

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: c.1740-60
Caliber: approx. .67" Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Overall Length: 12 1/2 inches
Barrel Length: 7 1/2 inches
Action: Miquelet Flint Lock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these.