Key Point: The Queen Anne pistol refers to a style of flintlock pistol that became popular during the reign of Queen Anne (1702–1714) in England. They were often ornately decorated and became favored as both functional firearms and status symbols during the early 18th century.
Today we are taking a look at the Queen Anne pistol. What the Queen Anne pistol looked like, how it worked, and why it was used. So, as always before we begin it’s best we take a look at what the Queen Anne pistol is exactly.
So … What is the Queen Anne pistol?
In short:
Queen Anne pistol is a type of early English flintlock pistol that was popular during the 18th century. It is named after Queen Anne of England, who reigned from 1702 to 1714, and was commonly used by both military officers and civilians. The pistol had an elegant design, with a long barrel and a sleek, curved stock, often made of high-quality wood or ivory.
That was the short definition of the pistol. Now, let’s proceed with its history and origins and after that, we will take a look at how it worked.
The History And Origins Of The Queen Anne Pistol
The Queen Anne pistol is a type of early English flintlock pistol that was popular during the 18th century. It is named after Queen Anne of England, who reigned from 1702 to 1714.
So, Why Was It Named After Queen Anne?
The pistol was named after the Queen for a couple of reasons. Firstly it was symbolic and was viewed as a way to honor the Queen. For she was seen as a symbol of stability and national pride.
And the other reason, I suspect a more important one, was the fact that was a clever PR stunt. Just by naming it after a royalty the gun itself became an instant status symbol. And was seen as something regal. So, every official in the army or the higher society quickly wanted one.
Now, back to the origins of the pistol …
The flintlock mechanism that the Queen Anne pistol utilized is believed to have originated in France. French gunsmiths introduced the flintlock firing mechanism in the late 17th century. Just in time for the creation of the Queen Anne pistol.
The Queen Anne pistol is characterized by its elegant design, and was produced in a variety of calibers, with the most common being .62 and .69.
Let’s touch on that elegant design part a little bit …
How It Was Designed
The Queen Anne pistol boasted an exquisite design, combining elegance and functionality.
Its long, slender barrel provided improved accuracy, while the curved stock added a touch of sophistication. The pistol’s stock was often crafted from fine-quality materials like polished wood or luxurious ivory, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of the era.
The ornate engravings and decorative elements further enhanced its aesthetic appeal, making the Queen Anne pistol a prized possession and a symbol of refinement.
Now, for the functionality part …
How It Worked
It was loaded with a powder charge, a lead ball, and a small amount of priming powder in the pan. The flintlock mechanism would ignite the priming powder, which would, in turn, ignite the main powder charge, propelling the ball out of the barrel.
The Downside Of The Queen Ane Pistol
The Queen Anne pistol was considered to be a high-end firearm during its time and was relatively expensive compared to other pistols of the era. The elegant design, high-quality materials, and fine craftsmanship required to produce the pistol made it a luxury item that was often carried by wealthy individuals or officers of high rank. However, the exact cost of the pistol varied depending on the specific model and the individual gunsmith who produced it.
All the fancy ornaments that made the gun so fashionable and a status symbol also prevented it from gaining mass appeal. Which limited its spread.
Now, let’s take a look t how the gun was fired.
How To Fire The Queen Ane Pistol
The following is a step-by-step guide people had to follow to fire the Queen Anne pistol :
1. Remove the ramrod The ramrod is a long, thin rod that is stored beneath the barrel of the pistol. Remove it from its storage position and set it aside.
2. Pour powder into the flash pan The flash pan is a small depression located at the side of the barrel. Use a powder measure to pour a small amount of gunpowder into the pan.
3. Prime the flash pan Use the priming tool to push the gunpowder in the flash pan against a small hole that leads to the main charge in the barrel.
4. Charge the barrel Pour a measured amount of gunpowder down the barrel of the pistol, followed by a lead ball. Use the ramrod to firmly press the ball down onto the powder charge.
5. Cock the hammer Pull the hammer back to the half-cock position, which will move the frizzen over the flash pan and prepare the pistol for firing.
6. Aim and fire Take aim at the target and pull the trigger to release the hammer, which will strike the frizzen and create a spark that ignites the gunpowder in the flash pan. The resulting flame will ignite the main powder charge in the barrel, causing the pistol to fire.
After firing, the process must be repeated to reload the pistol for another shot. And if you think that sounds time-consuming. Yeah, that’s because it is. Firearms of that era were not considered fast by any metric.
Hence why it fell out of use. And that leads us perfectly to …
The Fall Of The Queen Anne Pistol
Queen Anne Pistol got replaced relatively quickly by newer models. Some of them were the “New Land” pattern of a flintlock pistol, which was used by the British military from the mid-18th century to the early 19th century.
What Made The Newer Models Better By Comparison?
The New Land pistol was shorter and lighter than the Queen Anne pistol, making it easier to carry and maneuver in close-quarters combat. It also had a faster lock time and greater reliability than earlier designs, making it more practical for use in battle. Another flintlock pistol that replaced the Queen Anne in the 18th century was the “Dragoon” pistol. Dragoon pistols were used by cavalry units and were designed to be carried in a holster on a saddle.
In Conclusion
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. If you wish to continue learning about firearm history feel free to check out this article on the Borchardt pistol right here.
Take care!
Source: The Queen Anne Pistol 1660-1780 : A History of the English Turn-off Pistol by John W. Burgoyne