Bissell London pocket pistol

Flintlock pistol, pocket pistol, 60 Bore Bissell London, late 18th century

Thomas Bissell was a prominent London-based gunmaker active from 1857 to 1891, known for his contribution to high-quality sporting guns and his collaboration with John Rigby on the famous "Rising Bite" action. While primarily known for shotguns and rifles, Bissell's work included specialized handguns and his patented mechanisms were used in London's top-tier gun trade.

Bissell operated in London from 1857 to 1891, with workshops in Bermondsey, Tooley Street, Rotherhithe New Road, and Peckham.

His most notable contribution was the patent 1141 of 1879, a vertical bolt mechanism often called the "Rising Bite," developed in partnership with John Rigby. This action was known for its extreme strength.

In 1865, he patented a design featuring outside hammers that acted as cocking levers.

Walnut stock, half-encased lock (box-lock), engraved lock plate, detachable barrel. Manufacturer's name engraved along with London & London proof marks and inspector's mark.

With turn-off barrel engraved with a broad band of foliage around the muzzle and a slender band around the rear of the breech, border engraved action signed, rectangular pan, engraved thumb piece safety-catch also locking the steel, folding trigger, finely chequered figured rounded butt with silver escutcheon.

Overall length 15 cm, barrel 3.7 cm.

Antique Status, No PAL Required

$1.250.00