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. This example was made circa 1810, marked on the lock by KETLAND & Co., with LONDON stamped on the top of the brass barrel. This is one of the many companies during the period run by members of the large Ketland family of gunmakers.

This company was originally founded William Ketland, who was originally a partner in his father Thomas Ketland's firm, but left it to start his own company in 1800, W. Ketland & Co. Following his death in 1804 the name was shortened to Ketland & Co., and it operated for decades under this name before finally folding in 1831. The Ketland Companies over almost 100 years transacted a tremendous amount of business both domestically and abroad.

The pistol is a very nice brass mounted pistol fitted with a 8 inch long heavy round brass barrel, and measuring 13 1/4 inches in overall length. There is some lovely engraving on the brass fittings, as well as the barrel, along with an oval escutcheon on the back of the wrist. Unlike many that we see, it is still in the original flintlock configuration, though it is an early style lock, without a frizzen reinforcement bridle. The breech of the barrel bears the CROWN / P "proof" and CROWN / V "viewed" marks from the London Gun Company proof house, the style used prior to 1813.

Overall the pistol is in very nice condition, with a lovely patina. The brass matured to a lovely aged patina overall, and the open style side plate is great. The stock is in very good shape, with a lovely color, showing a crack above the side plate, which does not look to go any further. The lock is fully functional, holding at half cock and firing correctly at full.

These were widely distributed to the Native populations in both the United States and Canada during the early years after the revolutionary war. Many of these were later converted to percussion, however this example is still in the original flintlock configuration, which is rare to see.

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

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1810
Bore Diameter: .58" pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 8 inches
Overall Length: 13 1/4 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 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.