Original Item: Only One Available. This is a fantastic example of a Prussian Model 1742 Flintlock Cavalry Pistol, as used by Hussars, Dragoons, and other mounted units in the mid 18th Century Prussian army. It has a fantastic aged look, and does not show any signs of restoration. It features a classic "banana" shaped lock plate of totally classic German "angular" style, with a "teat" at the rear, and has the correct un-bridled frizzen and faceted flash pan. The face of the lock is marked POTZDAM MAGAZ, short for "Potzdam Magazin", or "Potsdam Arsenal". Many flintlock arms produced is during the mid-late 18th century in Potsdam were marked as such during the reign of the Prussian King Frederick the Great, who reigned from 1740 until 1786.

Unlike some others we have seen, this pistol still has a fully intact oval CROWN over F R royal cypher escutcheon on the back of the wrist, which were often defaced. This stands for the Latin phrase Fridericus Rex (King Frederick). It was cavalry pistols such as these that the German "Hessian" Soldiers that fought in the U.S. Revolution were armed with. Some may have also been supplied to British forces during the French & Indian War, as the British Monarchs of the House of Hanover concurrently held titles in Germany as well. These pistols are very rare and highly desirable, with a recent example realizing just over $15,000 at auction, even with a defaced cypher: Prussian Model 1742 Flintlock Cavalry Pistol.

This substantial German cavalry pistol has a 12 inch long barrel of 0.67" caliber held on by pins through the stock, and measures 19 1/2 inches in overall length. This is a bit shorter than often seen, so it may have been shortened a bit while in service. It is all brass mounted, including the characteristic faceted trigger guard, and has a flat serpentine brass side plate, which distinguishes it from the earlier Model 1731, which had a raised side plate. It has the characteristic "long eared" butt plated on the lobed butt, however there is no lanyard loop present, so it may be some sub variation of the Model 1742 we are not aware of.

Condition is simply lovely, and we will unlikely ever see another this good and "well rested", without overly aggressive polishing that is so common. The stock is great, well carved with "island carving" embellishments around all of the fittings. It has a beautiful color, and we do not see any structural damage, just the usual dents and dings from service. The metalwork is also lovely, with the barrel having a lovely aged patina. We checked the lock, and it functions correctly, holding at half cock and firing at full. It features an original brass capped ramrod, which matches the patina of the pistol perfectly.

A fine and very seldom-encountered Model 1742 Prussian cavalry pistol with an intact Royal Cypher, possibly used on these shores by the Hessians during the War for American Independence. NOT TO BE MISSED!

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1750
Caliber: about .67 inches
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 12 inches
Overall Length: 19 1/2 inches
Action: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

Frederick II (24 January 1712 – 17 August 1786) was the monarch of Prussia from 1740 until his death in 1786. Known in German as Friedrich II, he was the last Hohenzollern monarch titled "King in Prussia", declaring himself "King of Prussia" after annexing Royal Prussia from the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth in 1772. His most significant accomplishments include military successes in the Silesian wars, reorganization of the Prussian Army, the First Partition of Poland, and patronage of the arts and the Enlightenment. Prussia greatly increased its territories and became a major military power in Europe under his rule. He became known as Frederick the Great (German: Friedrich der Große) and was nicknamed "Old Fritz" (German: der Alte Fritz).

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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.