Spanish, c. Late 18th Century, Double-Barrel Flintlock Pistol, by Yrigoen, Eibar, Obsolete Calibre

*Spanish, c. Late 18th Century, Double-Barrel Flintlock Pistol by Yrigoen, Eibar, Obsolete Calibre*

A scarce and highly attractive late 18th century Spanish double-barrel flintlock pistol, signed “YRIGOEN” on the left-hand lockplate, and retaining its original ramrod.

Constructed in the Basque tradition of Eibar, the pistol is fitted with twin round barrels in side-by-side configuration, each operated by its own independent flintlock mechanism. The locks are of conventional continental pattern (internal mainspring), reflecting the transition toward French and British influenced lock construction during this period. Both locks cock and dry fire correctly.

The barrels are engraved at the breech with restrained foliate scrollwork, the decoration extending onto the upper flats and harmonising with the subtly shaped lockplates. The twin barrels are joined by a raised top rib forming the sighting plane. Decoration continues to the steel furniture beneath, including a finely shaped and engraved trigger guard with foliate finial, an engraved sideplate featuring a radiating rosette motif, and light scrollwork to the backstrap. The engraving is typical of late 18th century Basque work — measured and decorative rather than lavish, intended to elevate a practical defensive arm without excessive ornament.

The stock is of dark walnut with a pronounced curved butt typical of Spanish holster and travelling pistols. The overall effect is compact, balanced and purposeful. Steel furniture throughout complements the engraved breech area, and the overall balance remains compact and purposeful. The original ramrod remains in place beneath the barrels.

Approx. Measurements – Barrel length: 20.3 cm. Overall length: 35 cm.

Historical Note:
Eibar, in the Basque region of northern Spain, was one of Europe’s most important gunmaking centres from the 16th century onward — often referred to as the Ciudad Armera (“City of Armourers”). The Yrigoen (Yrigoyen) family formed part of the long-established Basque gunmaking community active in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. While earlier Spanish pistols were commonly fitted with the traditional Miquelet (llave de patilla) lock, by the late 1700s many Eibar makers were producing arms using conventional flintlock mechanisms influenced by French and British design, particularly for export markets.

Double-barrel flintlock pistols were premium defensive weapons. At a time when reloading a single-shot pistol could take 15–20 seconds, a second loaded barrel provided a significant practical advantage for officers, travellers, merchants, and gentlemen.

This example reflects that transitional Basque craftsmanship — handmade in small workshops prior to the widespread industrialisation of European firearms manufacture in the 19th century.

*Condition*
An honest and complete period example. Both locks cock and release correctly and function in dry fire. Metal surfaces display consistent age patination with scattered surface oxidation commensurate with age and use. The engraved decoration to the breech and furniture remains visible, softened but not erased. No evidence of modern polishing or refinishing observed. The walnut stock shows expected age-related handling wear and minor shrinkage at the lock edges. To the rear of the grip, there is a vacant keyhole-shaped recess to the backstrap area where a decorative escutcheon or insert would originally have been fitted, now absent. The surrounding metal plate remains in place. There is also an old, period, well-executed repair visible to the underside of the stock forward of the trigger guard, likely addressing a historic crack. The repair appears stable and consistent with age. Furniture, including the engraved trigger guard finial and ramrod entry thimble, remains intact with honest wear. The twin bores show age and internal oxidation (not inspected for shooting suitability and offered strictly as a historical collectible). The original ramrod is present. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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