Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very attractive mid 18th century German flintlock military pistol of the type associated with Hessian mounted Jäger service. Dating to approximately 1750, it combines a large .69 caliber smoothbore barrel, distinctive three screw lock arrangement, early rounded pan, full brass military furniture, original wooden ramrod with brass tip, and a substantial early German form walnut stock with extensive relief carving. Most intriguing is the oval wrist escutcheon stamped 17 over 39, an unidentified military or inventory style marking that offers excellent potential for further research.

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 is of a classic mid 18th century German military form associated with mounted troops, including Jäger units serving the various German states. During the American Revolutionary War, troops from Hesse-Kassel and other German states served alongside British forces in North America, and mounted Jäger detachments saw active service in reconnaissance, patrol, and light cavalry roles. Although the overall form of this pistol is consistent with the type of sidearm such troops could have carried, no documentation accompanies this example connecting it to a specific regiment, soldier, or Revolutionary War campaign.

The pistol is quite substantial, measuring approximately 20" overall. Its round smoothbore barrel measures 13" and has a bore of approximately .69". A simple brass half moon front sight is fitted near the muzzle.

The curved banana shaped lock plate is an especially interesting early feature. It uses a three screw arrangement behind the cock and has a rounded unbridled pan, both consistent with an early 18th century military lock configuration.

Three lock screws pass through the left side of the stock without a conventional decorative side plate. This utilitarian arrangement is characteristic of certain German military pistols and gives the arm a particularly distinctive appearance.

The pistol is fitted throughout with brass military furniture. The full stirrup pommel cap is smoothly rounded, while the trigger guard has rounded forward and rear finials. A brass nose band reinforces the fore end near the muzzle.

The walnut stock has a pronounced early German profile and retains extensive relief carving. Deeply molded tear drop decoration surrounds the barrel tang, lock mortise, and left side panel, while additional raised molding follows the ramrod channel. These carved details give the pistol considerably more visual character than a plain military sidearm.

The original wooden ramrod remains present beneath the barrel and retains its brass tip.

An oval brass escutcheon on the back of the grip is stamped:

17
39

The meaning of this marking has not been identified. It may represent a rack, inventory, troop, company, or regimental designation, but we have not found sufficient evidence to assign it positively. Because no other identifying unit markings are presently known, we have left the 17 / 39 marking unattributed rather than describing it as a confirmed regimental number.

Overall condition is very good for a pistol dating from the middle of the 18th century. The brass furniture has developed an attractive golden patina, while the barrel and lock show a deep plum brown oxidized finish from age and exposure.

There is visible evidence of old powder residue related corrosion around the barrel and lock area, entirely consistent with long use of a black powder flintlock arm.

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

The relief carved walnut stock is in very good condition and has developed a rich dark red brown color. An old tinted varnish remains well preserved across much of the surface. The stock shows the expected dents, dings, scratches, and handling wear from age and service, but we did not observe major structural cracks, obvious repairs, or other significant damage.

With its imposing 20" overall length, .69 caliber smoothbore barrel, early three screw lock, rounded unbridled pan, extensive brass furniture, original brass tipped ramrod, richly relief carved Germanic stock, and intriguing 17 / 39 wrist marking, this is a particularly evocative mid 18th century military pistol. Its form is closely associated with the type of mounted German sidearm carried during the period in which Hessian Jäger troops served in North America, while the unidentified stock marking provides worthwhile potential for further study. It would be a strong addition to a Revolutionary War collection, a Hessian or German states display, an early military pistol collection, or a grouping focused on mounted Jäger arms.

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1750
Caliber: .69 inches (pistol)
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 13 inches
Overall Length: 20 inches
Action: Percussion Lock
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 most US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for 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.