Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good example of the British East India Company Model 1843 percussion cavalry pistol, fitted with the Company's improved New Series side lock, trapped swivel ramrod, brass furniture, and iron lanyard ring. Adopted during the final generation of East India Company smoothbore martial pistols, this pattern replaced the earlier Model 1840 type and became one of the principal percussion handguns used by Company mounted forces during the 1840s and 1850s. This example was recovered during our historic 2003 Nepal cache acquisition and retains the East India Company's distinctive rampant lion emblem on the lock plate.

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 East India Company had moved decisively toward percussion ignition by the early 1840s. Earlier patterns had incorporated locks whose layout still reflected the architecture of preceding flintlock arms, while the later New Series side lock represented a purpose designed percussion arrangement. Contemporary East India Company terminology specifically used the designation “New Series side lock” for this improved family of percussion arms.

The Model 1843 pistol followed the same broad modernization trend and became an important mounted service arm for Company cavalry. It retained the substantial smoothbore barrel, brass furniture, and rugged military construction expected of a horse pistol, while incorporating a permanently attached ramrod and lanyard provision suited to mounted use.

This example measures approximately:

15 1/4" overall
9" barrel

The smooth bore measures approximately .65".

The center of the lock plate bears the East India Company:

RAMPANT LION

emblem, identifying the pistol with Company service.

No other clear British maker, date, inspection, or assembly markings were located on the exposed components. Because of that, we cannot determine where every part of this particular pistol was manufactured or assembled. The lack of normal contractor markings may indicate later arsenal assembly, refurbishment, or local replacement of components, but it does not by itself prove complete Nepalese manufacture.

The pistol retains its characteristic trapped swivel ramrod beneath the barrel. This arrangement prevented the ramrod from being dropped or lost during loading, an especially useful feature for a mounted trooper handling the pistol from horseback.

The butt is fitted with a flat iron cap incorporating a substantial lanyard ring. The lanyard allowed the pistol to remain attached to the rider if released or dropped during mounted service. The remaining furniture is simple and military in character. A brass trigger guard and brass nose band contrast attractively with the iron lock, barrel, and butt fitting.

The percussion lock remains mechanically responsive during manual inspection. It holds at full cock and releases correctly when the trigger is pulled.

There is, however, an important mechanical deficiency at half cock. With sufficiently heavy trigger pressure, the hammer can be made to release from the half cock position. The half cock notch therefore should not be regarded as a secure safety position.

The stock shows extensive dents, dings, scratches, and abrasions from service and long arsenal storage but remains structurally sound overall. We do not see major through cracks or large repaired breaks. The wood retains an attractive dark brown color, with areas of older finish still visible beneath the service wear.

The iron surfaces show the expected age and oxidation of a mid 19th century martial pistol that spent generations in arsenal storage. The brass furniture has developed a pleasing aged surface that complements the darker iron and walnut.

This pistol came from the large group of historic arms acquired from Nepal in 2003. East India Company weapons reached Nepal through several channels over the course of the 19th century, including military transfers, regional conflict, captured material, and later arsenal accumulation. Without individual records, however, we cannot establish the precise route by which this particular pistol entered Nepalese storage.

The East India Company retained political and military authority in India until the aftermath of the uprising of 1857. Under the Government of India Act of 1858, the Company's governing powers, territories, and armed forces passed to the British Crown, bringing the era of Company rule to an end.

Please see the wonderful work by David Harding, SMALL ARMS OF THE EAST INDIA COMPANY Volume 2 pages 302 to 308 for full details including the original acquisition cost to the EIC of 32 Shillings, at today's rate of exchange that would only be $2.40 each!

With its East India Company rampant lion lock marking, New Series side lock, 9" .65 caliber barrel, trapped swivel ramrod, lanyard ring, brass military furniture, and direct provenance from the Nepal cache, this is a particularly appealing example of the Company's final generation of percussion cavalry pistols. It would be an excellent addition to a collection of East India Company arms, British colonial cavalry weapons, Nepal cache material, or percussion military pistols of the mid 19th century.

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1850
Model: 1842 Dragoon Pistol
Caliber: .65" pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 9 inches
Overall Length: 15 1/4 inches
Action: Percussion lock side action
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.