{"product_id":"original-british-brass-barrel-fur-trade-pistol-imported-by-hodgson-thompson-converted-to-percussion-circa-1800","title":"Original British Brass Barrel Fur-Trade Pistol Imported by Hodgson \u0026 Thompson Converted to Percussion - circa 1800","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal 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 \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHodgson \u0026amp; Thompson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e, who are listed in Frank Seller's book \u003cem\u003eAMERICAN GUNSMITHS\u003c\/em\u003e, 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 \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLondon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e on the top of the barrel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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 \u003cstrong\u003eCROWN \/ CROSSED SCEPTERS\u003c\/strong\u003e proofs and an \u003cstrong\u003eIR\u003c\/strong\u003e maker mark. The lock is functional, but the main spring is definitely a bit weak, and it does not hold firmly at half cock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn nice display condition, just what one would have expected to see on the North American frontier! \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYear of Manufacture: circa 1800\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCaliber: .58\" Pistol\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAmmunition Type: Lead Ball \u0026amp; Powder with percussion cap\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBarrel Length: 7 3\/4 inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOverall Length: 11 inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAction: Percussion Side Action\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeed System: Muzzle-Loaded\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNOTE:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41756128247877,"sku":"ONSV24DHC040","price":995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV24DHC040__01.jpg?v=1718653831","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-british-brass-barrel-fur-trade-pistol-imported-by-hodgson-thompson-converted-to-percussion-circa-1800","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}