Hadley London Percussion Pistol

Hadley London Percussion Pistol: Forsyth Patent Replica

A Unique Transition Between Eras

This pistol is an interesting hybrid in the history of replicas. While the year 1760 on the barrel likely refers to the founding of the Hadley gunsmith workshop, the lock mechanism is purely percussion (caplock). The percussion lock replaced older flintlock systems at the beginning of the 19th century. Instead of flint and steel, the hammer here strikes a nipple, onto which a copper cap with fulminate would be placed in reality. This replica faithfully captures this mechanism – the hammer can be cocked and clicks "dry" upon pulling the trigger.

Materials and Craftsmanship

The pistol is manufactured by the Spanish company Denix, renowned for its faithful replicas.

• Metal Parts: Made of a zinc and aluminium alloy (Zamak). The barrel has a finish in the shade of old brass with fine engraving and the inscription "Hadley 1760 London". The lock plate has a steel patina and bears the inscription "Forsyth Patent".
• Handle: Made of hardened plastic that very successfully imitates ivory. The grip is decorated with fine checkering for a better hold and finished with a massive pommel with relief work.

Safety and Usage

It is important to emphasize that this is a non-firing decorative replica.

• The barrel is blocked, and the weapon cannot be modified to fire.
• The mechanism is movable but serves only for effect (dry firing).
• The pistol is safe and intended for display or prop use.

It is an excellent accessory for theatre performances, filming, or LARP, where an authentic look is required without the risk associated with a real weapon.

Replica Care

To ensure your pistol lasts a long time looking like new:

• Protect it from drops onto hard surfaces. The Zamak alloy is heavy but can be brittle.
• Clean it only with a dry, soft cloth. Do not use water or chemical cleaners that could damage the patina.
• You can occasionally lubricate the moving parts of the lock with silicone oil.

You might find a wooden table stand or a stylish belt frog useful with this pistol to complete your equipment.

Technical Specifications