Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original 19th century Belgian Liège manufactured dragoon style military pistol made for Ottoman service and later converted from flintlock to percussion. It retains Liège proof markings, an Arabic acceptance or property mark on the lock plate, an 8" smoothbore barrel, brass furniture, lanyard ring, and a later ramrod arrangement added during the conversion. The pistol measures approximately 14 1/2" overall.

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.

Liège was one of the major European centers of military arms manufacture during the 19th century, supplying firearms both domestically and for export. This pistol follows the robust dragoon and naval style forms widely produced in the Low Countries during the early 19th century and was evidently intended for Ottoman service.

The lock plate carries a faint Arabic mark that is consistent with an Ottoman acceptance or property marking. No maker name is visible on the lock or barrel.

The top of the barrel carries the Liège proof inside an oval:

E
L G
★

indicating Belgian proof at Liège. Near the percussion bolster is the Liège Perron or Tower proof, along with:

★
X

inspection marking.

The pistol was originally manufactured as a flintlock. The plugged attachment points for the original frizzen and frizzen spring remain visible on the lock plate, clearly documenting the conversion. A percussion bolster and nipple were subsequently added for cap ignition.

At some point during or after the percussion conversion, the pistol was also shortened by approximately one inch. The fore stock was modified accordingly, with a barrel band added and a ramrod channel incorporated beneath the barrel.

The present ramrod has a large bullet shaped head reminiscent of contemporary French military patterns. It appears to be an old period style component associated with the altered configuration, though its exact origin cannot presently be established.

The smoothbore barrel measures approximately 8", while the pistol is approximately 14 1/2" overall. The brass mounted butt terminates in a substantial butt cap fitted with a large lanyard ring, appropriate to mounted or naval style military use.

The steel components have developed an attractive aged gray patina with scattered light staining. The brass furniture has likewise matured to a warm aged tone.

The stock shows extensive service wear with numerous scratches, dents, and handling marks. There is also an old repaired split running beneath the lock plate that appears to have passed completely through the stock. Despite this repair and general wear, the pistol remains visually cohesive and retains the character of a long serving military arm.

With its Belgian Liège proof marks, Arabic Ottoman marking, original flintlock construction, later percussion conversion, shortened military configuration, brass furniture, lanyard ring, and altered ramrod arrangement, this is a particularly interesting example of a Belgian export pistol that continued in service through changing ignition systems. The repaired stock split, shortened barrel and fore stock, added barrel band, altered ramrod arrangement, and general service wear are all fully disclosed. It would fit especially well in an Ottoman arms, Belgian Liège firearms, percussion conversion, dragoon pistol, or advanced 19th century military arms collection.

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: circa 1830
Caliber: .68" Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 8 Inches
Overall Length: 14 1/2Inches
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.