TOWER GR w/CROWN 1420 FLINTLOCK

lkutschmanoltmer · August 10, 2011, 01:08 PM

Greetings,
I purchased a Tower "GR" w/crown, flintlock at an estate sale and am having difficulty in determining it's age and/or maker. The only marks are the Tower, GR+ Crown and the number 1420 on the barrel. Handle looks machine made as does the stamping of "Tower" On the other hand it does not look quite like the Japan examples from the 70's. Any feedback would be appreciated.
001.jpg

002.jpg
Regards, 001.jpg
Christian

Scorch · August 10, 2011, 03:22 PM

Your pistol is a reproduction flintlock pistol, quite likely produced during the 1970-1980 period. First clue: flintlock actions were not introduced until the early 1600s and not widely adopted until the middle of the 17th Century, supplanting earlier matchlocks (for reliability) and wheellock mechanisms (for simplicity and lower cost). Another clue: stamped hammer and springs. These parts were typically forged in early guns due to the strength needed for repeated firings. And finally: varnish finishes did not become the norm until the 1800s, prior to that time, oil finishes of various types were the norm for military arms.

lkutschmanoltmer · August 10, 2011, 03:40 PM

Thank you!! Does the gun have any value or is it simply something for my son to enjoy?

mapsjanhere · August 10, 2011, 03:56 PM

It is most likely a fully functional weapon that an inquisitive 12 year old with access to firework and marbles can use to punch holes into furniture and playmates. As such the "something for my son to enjoy" needs some qualification

Hawg · August 10, 2011, 03:59 PM

Japan imported these by the boatload in the 70s. I remember Dixie selling these for 49 bucks in 72 and offering to tune the locks to make them spark for another 10. It would be best served as a wall hanger.

James K · August 10, 2011, 05:27 PM

Another clue to a repro is the presence of a serial number to comply with modern laws. Very few genuine antiques will have a serial number, and none will have a "COO", a Country of Origin marking, required by U.S. law after 1896.

Jim

Brim5player · September 6, 2011, 07:12 PM

I have the same gun only there are a few things different, the pins next to the crown on his gun are closer and the pin on the left side, i do not have that. Also i took the gun apart to clean it up and i found various numbers such as 272, 682 and 82. Also my gun isnt varnished it has an oil finish. My email is [email protected] email and ill send the pictures to whomever can help me.

jamesicus · September 6, 2011, 09:02 PM

It is an approximation (reproduction) of a British Light Dragoon Pistol. Here is a reference page relating to British Military flintlock firearms manufacture and markings.

James

James K · September 7, 2011, 05:20 PM

I like the term "approximation". We need a word for those guns that are neither replicas, or reproductions, both of which imply close copies. But there are many modern guns that resemble ("approximate" as a verb) antiques, like those .44 caliber "Navies" and brass frame "Confederate" revolvers, that sort of resemble antiques but are "guns that never were."

Good word, "approximation."

Jim

DanielJBroyles · February 9, 2015, 11:25 AM

the 1420 is a serial number i have one and on my barrel is 7145.I have been trying to find the push rod and the brass thing it slides into.

DanielJBroyles · February 9, 2015, 11:28 AM

I have seen them selling on Armslist for about $175.00. http://www.armslist.com/posts/393575...--reproduction

**Mike Irwin** · February 10, 2015, 02:23 PM

This thread died a natural death almost 4 years ago.

No need to resurrect it as if the OP asked a question yesterday.

**4V50 Gary** · February 11, 2015, 09:16 AM

Try Track of the Wolf, Dixie Gun Works or The Rifle Shoppe for parts.

August 10, 2011, 01:08 PM	#1
lkutschmanoltmer Junior Member Join Date: August 10, 2011 Posts: 2	TOWER GR w/CROWN 1420 FLINTLOCK Greetings, I purchased a Tower "GR" w/crown, flintlock at an estate sale and am having difficulty in determining it's age and/or maker. The only marks are the Tower, GR+ Crown and the number 1420 on the barrel. Handle looks machine made as does the stamping of "Tower" On the other hand it does not look quite like the Japan examples from the 70's. Any feedback would be appreciated. 001.jpg 002.jpg Regards, 001.jpg Christian

August 10, 2011, 03:22 PM	#2
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	Your pistol is a reproduction flintlock pistol, quite likely produced during the 1970-1980 period. First clue: flintlock actions were not introduced until the early 1600s and not widely adopted until the middle of the 17th Century, supplanting earlier matchlocks (for reliability) and wheellock mechanisms (for simplicity and lower cost). Another clue: stamped hammer and springs. These parts were typically forged in early guns due to the strength needed for repeated firings. And finally: varnish finishes did not become the norm until the 1800s, prior to that time, oil finishes of various types were the norm for military arms. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

August 10, 2011, 03:40 PM	#3
lkutschmanoltmer Junior Member Join Date: August 10, 2011 Posts: 2	Tower Flintlock Thank you!! Does the gun have any value or is it simply something for my son to enjoy?

August 10, 2011, 03:56 PM	#4
mapsjanhere Senior Member Join Date: August 6, 2009 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 2,832	It is most likely a fully functional weapon that an inquisitive 12 year old with access to firework and marbles can use to punch holes into furniture and playmates. As such the "something for my son to enjoy" needs some qualification __________________ I used to love being able to hit hard at 1000 yards. As I get older I find hitting a mini ram at 200 yards with the 22 oddly more satisfying.

February 9, 2015, 11:25 AM	#10
DanielJBroyles Junior Member Join Date: February 9, 2015 Posts: 2	Towers flint lock pistol the 1420 is a serial number i have one and on my barrel is 7145.I have been trying to find the push rod and the brass thing it slides into.

August 10, 2011, 03:59 PM	#5
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,190	Japan imported these by the boatload in the 70s. I remember Dixie selling these for 49 bucks in 72 and offering to tune the locks to make them spark for another 10. It would be best served as a wall hanger.

August 10, 2011, 05:27 PM	#6
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	Another clue to a repro is the presence of a serial number to comply with modern laws. Very few genuine antiques will have a serial number, and none will have a "COO", a Country of Origin marking, required by U.S. law after 1896. Jim

September 6, 2011, 09:02 PM	#8
jamesicus Member Join Date: January 25, 2010 Location: Tucson, Arizona Posts: 56	It is an approximation (reproduction) of a British Light Dragoon Pistol. Here is a reference page relating to British Military flintlock firearms manufacture and markings. James

September 7, 2011, 05:20 PM	#9
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	I like the term "approximation". We need a word for those guns that are neither replicas, or reproductions, both of which imply close copies. But there are many modern guns that resemble ("approximate" as a verb) antiques, like those .44 caliber "Navies" and brass frame "Confederate" revolvers, that sort of resemble antiques but are "guns that never were." Good word, "approximation." Jim

February 9, 2015, 11:28 AM	#11
DanielJBroyles Junior Member Join Date: February 9, 2015 Posts: 2	Towers flint lock pistol I have seen them selling on Armslist for about $175.00. http://www.armslist.com/posts/393575...--reproduction

February 10, 2015, 02:23 PM	#12
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,390	This thread died a natural death almost 4 years ago. No need to resurrect it as if the OP asked a question yesterday. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

February 11, 2015, 09:16 AM	#13
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 21,841	Try Track of the Wolf, Dixie Gun Works or The Rifle Shoppe for parts. __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*