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1820's - c1837 +. - Reilly and serial numbered pistols

I guess I'm testing you all...writing a book on line. But here are some early Reilly pistols which are relevant (Terry Buffum see below re 1060):

I mentioned above that by about 1840, Reilly pistols no longer were numbered in the Reilly long-gun chronology…this divorce might have occurred even earlier. (you can see several non-numbered guns from the High Holborn period). i.e if Reilly didn't make it, it wasn't numbered in his series. (Note: The labels in the cases, however are extremely interesting, usually have been more protected than long-gun cases. The dates of manufacture of the Reilly retailed pistols/revolvers can date the labels which in turn can help confirm dates of long guns.)

But it looks like that at least very early on the pistols were numbered chronologically and are part of Reilly history. Here are several Reilly pistols that look to be in the logical early chronology. They are mixed in with a few long gun serial numbers which give them credibility

176 (Pistol) (if the SN is right, this is one of the very earliest Reillys)_
Name: J.C. REILLY, HOLBORN BARS, LONDON
Description: Serial #176, .50 caliber, 8 3/4" smooth bore octagon barrels with lightly oxidized bores. The tops of the barrels are each marked "J.C. REILLY, HOLBORN BARS, LONDON" and each lock is engraved "J.C. REILLY". The locks and hammers show lovely flowing foliate scroll with panoplies of arms engraved on the hammers. The bolsters are equipped with platinum blow out plugs. The barrels feature double silver bands at breeches with nicely engraved tangs. The triggerguards are also engraved with stylized pineapple shaped finials and panoplies of arms on bow of triggerguard.
Comment: Do not know if Reilly hand-guns used his sequential Serial Numbering, These pistols though, along with the one below may have. Note rounded butts.-
Terry Boffum owned these guns and can clarify a lot.
http://www.amoskeagauction.com/108/283.html



xxxx (Pistol) (pre-1835 - Holborn Bars; but no Reilly SN)
Name: J.C. Reilly, Holborn Bars, LONDON
Description: British Mid 19th Century Pocket Pistol, comprising: Small [Overall Length 14cm] Muzzle Loading Percussion Pocket Pistol, Proof Marks to Underside of 5.5cm Barrel. Complete with Foliate Decoration, Bag Shaped Walnut Grip & Folding Trigger.
Comment: Holborn Bar indicates this pistol if pre 1835 before the move to High Holborn.
http://www.vectis.co.uk/Page/ViewLot.aspx?LotId=598875&Section=0&Start=320



1024 - (Pistol) - If this is a Reilly SN, it is post 1835 - pre 1840?
Address: Reilly 316 Holborn London
Description: erkussions-Terzerolpistole um 1840 Joseph Charles Reilly London
achtkantiger, glatter Lauf, im Kaliber 8,5 mm, mit leichter Gravur an Laufmündung, sowie Signatur auf der Oberseite "Reilly 316 Holborn London". Mit Rankendekor graviertes Perkussionsschloss, Abzug klappt bei Spannung des Hahnes aus.
Comment: Pistol….interesting serial number. rounded butt
http://online.auktion-zwack.de/de/perkus...mp;currentpos=9



1060 (not a Reilly SN per below)
Percussion pocket pistol.
Terry, history needs some photos. Thanks.
edit: Terry tells me it was a pocket percussion revolver - A check on the aution show it is labeled "E.M. Reilly" placing it in late 1850's..(it looks earlier, wonder if it was just "Reilly" on the rib?). This is the problem with trying to use SN's for dating pistols marketed by Reilly. He didn't put his numbers on any gun he didn't make.



1292 (Pistol) - If this is a Reilly SN, the gun should be 1835-1840. High Holborn
Address: Reilly, London
Description: Miniature 120-Bore Box-Lock Percussion Pocket Pistol By Reilly of London, Circa 1850. With round turn-off barrel engraved with a band of foliage at the breech.
Comment: Percussion miniature pistol, typical of early Reilly’s; believe he manufactured this. Note the rounded butt…seems to be a marker.
https://www.garthvincent.com/a-miniature-120-bore-box-lock-percussion-pocket-pistol-by-reilly-of-london%2C-circa-1850.-1597/



xxxx. (no SN - High Holborn - 1835-47; no SN)
English folding trigger percussion single shot pistol with barrel marked “Reilly 316 Holborn London”, .54 cal., 3-1/2” octagon barrel with swivel ramrod and belt hook, checkered wood grips, engraved frame.
http://www.icollector.com/English-foldin...Londo_i12499548



xxxx (possibly High Holborn - 1835-47; no SN on a pair of high-end lady's guns)
Engraved and Silver-Inlaid Small English Boxlock Percussion Muff Pistols by Reilly, c. 1840frames marked: Reilly/London.
http://www.littlegun.info/arme%20britannique/artisan%20p%20q%20r/a%20reilly%20gb.htm




xxxx (Pistol). Between 1835 and 1840? - no SN
Name: JOSEPH CHARLES REILLY 316 HIGH HOLBORN LONDON
Description: .50 caliber pistol with a 10-inch octagonal barrel measures 15-inches in overall length. Wood ramrod with flared brass cap, brass section at rear unscrews exposing the worm. Top of barrel marked "JOSEPH CHARLES REILLY 316 HIGH HOLBORN LONDON." London proof marks. Platinum blowout plug on nipple drum. One barrel key with oval silver escutcheons. The brown Damascus finish slightly worn. Nicely grained walnut half-stock with bag grip and black horn forend cap; oval silver thumbpiece. Sunburst engraved around center screw. Iron trigger guard and ferrules; stylized pineapple finial with tassel, center portion engraved in shell pattern.

Note the similarity to 176 above...platinum blowout plugs, beautiful Damascus barrels, etc....It could be a twin. It was only 12 years difference from 176 might have been made say around 1828? to this gun - made circa 1840? maybe...but the formula still worked. (but check out the snazzy wood ramrod)(a replacement?)

http://www.aaawt.com/html/firearms/f296.html


Last edited by Argo44; 09/11/18 12:33 PM.
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