TOY

An incomplete lead toy gun of Post-Medieval to Modern date (AD 1700-1900). The object is composed of two cast faces secured together via two perforating iron rivets located at the trigger mechanism and a single iron rivet at the stock end. The trigger mechanism is missing due to old breaks however a minor amount of iron corrosion is retained. The toy has a partially retained cylindrical, hollow barrel and an upper disk shaped touch hole.

The Cast handles have an integral cast decorative pattern composed of within the rectangular boarder at the stock end is a raised diamond lattice pattern with pellets in each cell.

The metal is a dark grey in colour with brown iron corrosion patches.

Length: 55.30mm, Width: 17.75mm, Thickness: 8.87mm, Weight: 23.3g.

The form resembles that of toy petronels or cavalry pistols reported from London, where a 17th-century date is suggested (Forsyth and Egan 2005, page 97, no. 1.39). However the overall shape of the handle in this instance (which is broad and steeply carved similar to Post-medieval to Modern hand/light gun) is suggestive of a later form and date giving the object a modern date.

Forsyth, H. & Egan, G. 2005. Toys, Trifles and Trinkets. Base-metal miniatures from London 1200 to 1800. Museum of London. Unicorn Press.

Similar examples can be seen on the PAS database, Unique ID: NMS-657775; KENT-761751, SUR-66DB81 and SUSS-41C181.