Unlike the rifles, pistols seemed to
be a pirate's best friend. In most pictures of pirates,
it is clear that a number of pistols were carried by each
pirate. In most pictures of BlackBeard, at least a half
dozen pistols, assumed loaded and ready, can be seen in
his sash.
The pistol of the day was a
flintlock mechanism exactly like the rifles, and a single
shot was also loaded via the barrel.
The pistols came in long and
short barreled versions, approx 9 inches and 12 inches
long, with a bore of about 0.56 inches. The butt had a
rounded and sometimes metal base (known as a skull crusher
butt cap) so the pistol could be used as a club once fired.
Issued either singularly or in pairs, the sea pistol had
an effective range of only 3 or 4 yards. It would be fired
and then thrown away to hopefully be retrieved after the
fight.
This rugged flintlock features
wood stock adorned with skull and crossbones and steel
finish barrel. Measuring 13.5" in overall length
with a weight of 1.5 lbs. Comes fully assembled and ready
for display in your home or office.
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