Original Item: Only One Available. Specifically produced in England for the North American Fur Trade, these Trade pistols were intended for the use of the Trappers and the Native American population as well. The lock on this example is marked Hodgson & Thompson, who are listed in Frank Seller's book AMERICAN GUNSMITHS, as an importer of flintlock pistols based in Baltimore, Maryland. These would be imported with blank locks, and were marked by the distributor. It also faintly marked London on the top of the barrel.

The pistol has all brass mounts, measuring 11 inches in overall length, and the brass barrel measures 7 3/4" and is about .58 bore. It still has the original ramrod, though we are not currently able to remove it from the stock. The barrel bears Pre-1813 proof markings from the city of Birmingham, which included two CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS proofs and an IR maker mark. The lock is functional, but the main spring is definitely a bit weak, and it does not hold firmly at half cock.

These were widely distributed to the Native populations in both the United States and Canada during the early years after the revolutionary war. They also saw much use by Trappers, and a very economical upgrade was to convert to the percussion cap system, which was far more resistant to weather issues, as well as much faster on the reload. The pistol was probably converted in the 1840s, and the mounts for the frizzen spring, frizzen, and pan can still be seen on the lock plate.

In nice display condition, just what one would have expected to see on the North American frontier! 

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1800
Caliber: .58" Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder with percussion cap
Barrel Length: 7 3/4 inches
Overall Length: 11 inches
Action: Percussion Side Action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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 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.