The female gunsmith behind the Patrick Pistols, with firearms and weaponry expert Jonathan Ferguson

Published on February 22, 2023
Duration: 21:44

This video explores a unique percussion ignition system on Patrick pistols, referred to as a "pill lock" or "pellet lock" system. Jonathan Ferguson of the Royal Armouries details the technical operation, highlighting the integrated magazine for ignition granules and the hammer mechanism. The discussion also delves into the social history, focusing on the female gunsmith Ann Patrick and the evolution of firearm ignition technology in the early 19th century.

Quick Summary

The "pill lock" system on Patrick pistols utilized a unique "bottle-shaped" magazine that pivoted to dispense ignition granules into a small pan beneath the hammer. This system, developed in the early 19th century, was an alternative to flintlock and early percussion cap ignition, with Ann Patrick being a notable gunsmith associated with these advanced designs.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Vintage Pistols
  2. 00:27Percussion Ignition Explained
  3. 01:20The "Pill Lock" System
  4. 01:57How the "Pill Lock" Mechanism Works
  5. 03:35Hammer Design and Recess
  6. 04:02The Ignition Pan and Magazine
  7. 04:42The "Bottle-Shaped" Magazine
  8. 05:05Reverend Forsyth and Shock-Sensitive Compounds
  9. 05:53Charles Moore Priming Tool
  10. 06:30The Tiny Flask for Ignition Granules
  11. 07:11Dispensing Ignition Granules
  12. 08:03The Breech Plug and Vent System
  13. 09:09Advancement Over Primer Use
  14. 09:32Dating the Pistols: Circa 1830
  15. 10:00The Maker: Patrick of Liverpool
  16. 10:24Ann Patrick: The Female Gunsmith
  17. 11:13Women in the Gunmaking Trade
  18. 11:42Ann Patrick's Family Business History
  19. 13:06Historical Context and Location
  20. 13:26Royal Appointment: Duke of Gloucester
  21. 13:45High-End Market and Customers
  22. 13:48Ann Patrick Sells the Company
  23. 14:10Challenges in Historical Research
  24. 14:40Dueling Pistols vs. Target Pistols
  25. 14:51Grip Style and Continental Influence
  26. 15:25Trigger Guard Spur and Checkering
  27. 15:33Set Trigger Mechanism
  28. 15:47Sights and Barrel
  29. 16:14Standing Breach for Cleaning
  30. 16:57Technical and Social History Synthesis
  31. 17:00Another Pair of Patrick Pistols
  32. 17:20Cap Percussion Lock System
  33. 17:37Patrick's Range of Firearms
  34. 17:47Flintlock Sales and Conversions
  35. 18:13Multiple Ignition Systems
  36. 18:27Fashion and Obsolescence
  37. 18:40Video Technology Analogy
  38. 19:09Women Gunmakers: Historical Percentages
  39. 19:43Further Reading on Women Gunmakers
  40. 20:33Royal Armouries Library Resources
  41. 20:42Online Article on Ann Patrick
  42. 21:00Upcoming Firearms Event at Royal Armouries
  43. 21:16Meet and Greet with Jonathan Ferguson

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a "pill lock" firearm ignition system?

A "pill lock" or "pellet lock" system is an early firearm ignition method that uses small, shock-sensitive pills or granules of a compound dispensed from a magazine into a pan to ignite the main powder charge. This system predates modern percussion caps and was an alternative to flintlock mechanisms.

Who was Ann Patrick and why is she significant in firearms history?

Ann Patrick was a notable female gunsmith who operated the Patrick firearms business in Liverpool from around 1821 to the early 1830s. She took over the well-regarded family business after a fire impacted her brother's ability to run it, making her one of the more prominent female gunmakers of her era.

How did the "pill lock" mechanism on Patrick pistols operate?

The Patrick "pill lock" pistols featured a unique hammer with a magazine that pivoted to dispense ignition granules into a small pan. When the hammer was cocked and the trigger pulled, the hammer struck the granules, igniting them and firing the main charge through a vent in the breech plug.

What were some of the advanced features found on these early 19th-century target pistols?

These Patrick pistols incorporated features like a spur on the trigger guard for steadying aim, grip checkering for better purchase, and a set trigger mechanism that allowed for precise adjustment of trigger pressure, enabling a hair-trigger for minimal sight disturbance during firing.

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