Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very attractive Dutch flintlock belt pistol dating to approximately 1820, with a substantial 10 1/4" smoothbore barrel, brass furniture, iron ramrod, and a long 5 1/2" iron belt hook mounted along the left side. Most interesting is the engraved inscription across the top of the barrel, ORANIEN GETROV TOT DEN DOOT, an archaic Dutch expression of loyalty to the House of Orange that can be understood as “Faithful to Orange unto death.” With its large approximately .74 caliber bore, maritime style belt hook, high quality construction, and strongly political Orange inscription, this is a distinctive early 19th century Dutch pistol with considerable display and research interest.

This is an antique black powder firearm manufactured before 1899. Under federal law, it may generally be owned within the United States without a special license or permit and does not require transfer through a Federal Firearms Licensee. However, state and local laws may vary. This firearm is sold solely as a historical collector’s item and has not been test fired or inspected for firing safety by a professional gunsmith. Any mechanical or bore observations provided below describe only its present condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the firearm is safe to load or fire. The purchaser is solely responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

The pistol measures approximately 16 3/4" overall and is fitted with a 10 1/4" round barrel. The smooth bore measures approximately 0.74" at the muzzle, giving the pistol the substantial proportions expected of a military or maritime sidearm of the period.

A particularly notable feature is the 5 1/2" iron belt hook mounted to the left side of the stock. Long belt hooks of this type are strongly associated with military and naval pistols because they allowed a large flintlock pistol to be carried securely without a conventional holster. Comparable early 19th century naval pistols from several countries are documented with this arrangement.

The pistol is iron ramrod equipped and fitted with brass furniture throughout. The brass has developed a particularly attractive mellow patina and contrasts nicely with the darker iron barrel and lock.

We found very little in the way of conventional maker or proof markings. The top of the barrel carries the small letters:

C
P

We have not identified these marks and therefore leave them unattributed.

Far more distinctive is the engraved inscription along the top of the barrel:

ORANIEN GETROV TOT DEN DOOT

The wording appears to be an archaic or dialect spelling of a Dutch expression meaning approximately “Faithful to Orange unto death.” The reference is to the Dutch House of Orange, the ruling dynasty restored to prominence after the Napoleonic period and established as the royal house of the Kingdom of the Netherlands beginning in 1815. We have encountered comparable Orange loyalty mottos on other Dutch arms and equipment, although we have not identified a specific unit or government issue associated with this exact pistol.

The quality of manufacture is quite good. The brass furniture is neatly fitted, the iron ramrod remains present beneath the barrel, and the stock architecture is restrained but elegant. The butt cap lacks projecting ears and instead extends partway up the rear of the grip. A simple carved apron surrounds the rear of the barrel tang, while the remainder of the stock is left largely undecorated.

The lock remains mechanically functional during manual inspection. It holds correctly at half cock and releases from full cock. These observations describe only its present mechanical condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the pistol is safe to load or fire.

Overall condition is very good for an early 19th century flintlock pistol. The brass mounts show a rich, naturally aged surface, while the iron components retain an attractive period patina without obvious major damage.

The stock is likewise in very good condition, showing the expected handling wear, staining, and minor marks accumulated through age and use. We do not see major structural damage. There is an old repaired sliver along the right side wood line, which is fully disclosed but does not detract significantly from the pistol's overall appearance.

With its imposing approximately .74 caliber bore, 10 1/4" barrel, long iron belt hook, brass furniture, surviving iron ramrod, functional flintlock, and especially the evocative ORANIEN GETROV TOT DEN DOOT inscription, this is a highly appealing Dutch martial style pistol from the early Kingdom of the Netherlands period. Its exact maker and original user remain unidentified, but the Orange loyalty motto and maritime style carrying hook give it excellent historical character. It would fit especially well in a collection of Dutch arms, early 19th century naval pistols, European flintlocks, or arms associated with the House of Orange.

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1820
Caliber: .74" Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 10 1/4 Inches
Overall Length: 16 3/4 Inches
Action: Flintlock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.