Item Description
Original Item: Only one available. This is a standard British EIC Cavalry Pistol adopted in 1843 fitted with is known as the "new series side lock". This pistol replaced the Model of 1840 that had the "old series side lock" which appeared (but wasn't) to have been constructed from flintlock parts. This pattern 1843 became the principal handgun of the East India Company up until it was taken over by the British home Government in 1859.
It is BRITISH made with London Proof Marks on the barrel, which are somewhat worn, but still legible. It has the correct CROWN / GP "Gunmaker's Proof" over the CROWN / V "viewed marking from the London Gun company. The percussion lock bears the East India post 1808 RAMPANT LION logo, and close inspection definitely indicates English manufacture. We checked the inside of the lock plate, and there is a WP marking under a partial "Fleur-de-Lis", and other British markings.
The pistol retains its trapped swivel ramrod for use while mounted on a horse, and it also has the standard lanyard ring on the butt, to keep it from being dropped. We checked the lock, and it is still fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full. The pistol overall is in lovely condition, though it does have some missing chunks crack on the left hand side, running along the grain from the breech area. This is a very common area for this to happen, and especially so because the stock on this example has some lovely "tiger flame" figuring in most of the wood. This is highly decorative, but also does tend to make the wood a bit more prone to cracking.
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!
A lovely example in great condition with a beautiful figured stock, ready to research and display!
Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: circa 1850
Caliber: .65" pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 9 inches
Overall Length: 15 3/4 inches
Action: Percussion lock 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.
- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey
This product is available for international shipping.
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.
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