Original Item. Only One Available. This style of pistol was introduced in the early 18th century and was issued with a long 12" barrel and saw active service for a century. Up until 1762 the locks bore maker's names and years of manufacture as well as the traditional "Crown over G.R" Royal Cypher. Thereafter only the CROWN / G.R. appeared on the center of the lock plate with TOWER across the lock plate tail, as on this example.

The model evolved and by 1800, the powder pan had a "bridle", which supported it and the frizzen from both sides, however the overall appearance of this classic Naval pistol remained unchanged. The coming of the War with France in the 1790s after the French Revolution and the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte forced Britain to heavily rearm and this pistol was then produced in great quantities.

Our example here is an exceptionally nice specimen and is in very good condition, still displaying acceptance stamping markings as well as clear proofs to the barrel. There are two screws behind the cock, correct for a post 1762 pistol with the revised sear spring design, and it has the correct "Bridle" on the outside of the flash pan. It also has a "ring neck" hammer, officially introduced around 1808, which were found much less likely to break than the traditional "swan neck" type. The lock itself functions correctly, holding at half cock and firing at full, and is marked with a CROWN / 2 . The barrel is marked with the correct CROWN / GR / BROAD ARROW along with the CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS, indicating Pre-1813 military inspection at the Ordnance Proof house on Tower Wharf close to the Tower of London. We also noted a CROWN / II marking on the right side. The lock functions correctly, holding at half-cock, and firing at full-cock.

The stock of this example does show a good amount of use, but we do not see any major repairs of note, just some wood grafts to stabilize old pin channels. The right rear side of the grip has a VERY faint BROAD ARROW / B O marking for the Board of Ordnance. The left side of the butt cap has a 3 / 1 Rack number marking, something we do not often see. Checking the ramrod channel shows some setup markings, though they are worn. The ramrod is made of wood with a brass top, as is correct.

These pistols were fitted with a large belt hook on the left side opposite the lock so a sailor could use his hands for climbing the yardarm or servicing the cannons during battle. The belt hook is still present on this example, and measures 7 inches long. It also has setup marking VIII on the bottom. They remained in service through the War of 1812, the end of the Napoleonic Wars in 1815 and well into the 1820s.

Always considered one of the most romantic Naval Flintlock Pistols ever produced this classic would enhance any Napoleonic Collection. Ready to display research and display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1805
Caliber: .58" Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 12 inches
Overall Length: 19 inches
Action: Flintlock Side Action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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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.

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