Description
An interesting pistol from the west coast of Cumberland. This flintlock blunderbuss pistol was made by local gunmaker, “Fisher of Whitehaven”, during the later part of the eighteenth century. Made as a commission for either a trader or most likely a sea captain of one of the many ships bringing valuable goods to the Whitehaven port. The fine pistol with a brass two stage cannon barrel, flared at the muzzle to a .68 inches and signed Wt Haven to the top flat. Full slender walnut stock with brass mounts, 14.75 inches overall. The round faced lock is in working order and shows ware that is expected, faintly signed FISHER.The pistol shows general ware, but is in good condition for its age and travels. A brief history of Whitehaven port: During the 17th and 18th centuries white haven was transformed from a fishing village to a major center for the export of coal and import of Tabaco. By the late 18th century Whitehaven had become one of the leading importers of tabaco, sugar and spirits from the West Indies, even getting involved to some extent in the slave trade.
