INTRODUCTION

The appeal of the miniature is timeless and universal. The history of miniature firearms can be traced back almost as far as that of firearms themselves. Whilst many were no doubt made as toys others are detailed miniature replicas made of various materials, typically steel and gilt brass and are often beautifully engraved. Such antique miniatures are real treasures and combine the best qualities of the gunmaker, the clockmaker and the jeweler.

Antique miniatures are, however, very scarce and modern miniature replica firearms of good quality which carry on the tradition are now highly collectable. Whereas in the past makers made contemporary firearms, today's miniature makers tend to specialize in a particular period. They may choose a period when weapons are not only deadly but also works of art, or be attracted by technical ingenuity and skill. Thus modern miniatures may range from replicas of 16th century wheel-locks to 20th century repeating arms. Despite the revival of interest in miniature firearms over the past 20 years they can still be hard to find. Makers of miniatures are few and far apart and their output is small since each miniature takes several hundred hours to make.

Return to the TABLE OF CONTENTS

THE MAKER

Return to the0 TABLE OF CONTENTS

MY PHILOSOPHY

My philosophy is one of verisimilitude and quality. My miniatures are faithful reproductions made to the highest standards of craftsmanship. Each miniature is individually made; I am more interested in making a quality product than in achieving a quick sale.

Return to the TABLE OF CONTENTS

THE MINIATURES

I make to 1/3 scale; this results in pistols that are truly miniature at between 1 inch and, for some horse pistols, just over 6 inches long. However they are not so small that compromises have to be made in reproducing detail. Accuracy is ensured by working from the full size original.

Each miniature is handmade from materials as close to that of the original as possible and given the correct finish, though brass parts can be gold plated on request to prevent tarnishing. Full attention is paid to the fidelity of all details.

All working parts are fully functioning. However the firearms are totally safe as the barrels are obstructed so they will not fire a projectile.

Each miniature bears my mark and is individually numbered.

I specialise in pistols of the flintlock era. My particular, though not exclusive, interest is in the military pistols of that period.

Return to the TABLE OF CONTENTS

Miniature Queen Anne style pistol.

Return to the TABLE OF CONTENTS

Miniature US Martial Harpers Ferry cavalry pistol.

Return to the TABLE OF CONTENTS

Miniature Heavy Dragoon pistol shown alongside full size original.

Return to the TABLE OF CONTENTS

Military miniatures. Top to bottom: Long Sea Service, Austrian cavalry, US Harpers Ferry.

Return to the TABLE OF CONTENTS

AVAILABILITY

Return to the TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONDITIONS OF SALE

The cost of a miniature is payable on delivery. Money is refundable, on return of miniature in condition dispatched, if not fully satisfied.  The price quoted includes a presentation case and delivery charges.

Return to the TABLE OF CONTENTS

ENQUIRIES

If you would like to know more about the miniatures on offer (photographs and full descriptions can be provided) please contact:

Return to the TABLE OF CONTENTS

All photographs copyright © 1992-2008 by John Armstrong.

Web page copyright © 1997-2008 by DOICK IMAGES.
Last updated on Tuesday, 06 May 2008.