Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a lovely example of the Pattern of 1756 heavy dragoon pistol, one of a series of pistols released over the decades, replacing the P-1742. These are extremely scarce on the market, and are rarely seen outside of Museum collections. As best we can tell this is the first example of this particular variant that we have had! It has the characteristic "long-eared" butt cap and sturdy rounded lock side plate. The stock has a lovely swell around the skirted ramrod pipe where the ramrod enters the stock, and there are lovely raised carved areas around the lock and side plate.

The pistol is marked on the lock plate with CROWN over G.R. under the hammer, and is maker marked GRICE on the lock plate tail, over a date of 1759. This is almost certainly for WILLIAM GRICE, who worked in London from 1740 to 1780. We have seen another example by Grice with the same date, so most likely he had a small contract for these during that year. Under the pan is the usual "Lock Viewer's" mark. The barrel is marked with CROWN / GR / BROAD ARROW over CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS markings, indicating Pre-1813 military inspection at the Ordnance Proof house on Tower Wharf close to the Tower of London.

The pistol has a 11 3/4" 0.65" bore barrel, with an overall length of 19 inches, relatively standard for the various pistols used by the British military at the time. It is in fine original condition displaying only ONE lock screw behind the cock, a style changed between 1757 and 1762 that indicated the use of a shorter sear spring. After 1762 one sees TWO screws behind the Cock, however occasionally the double screw appeared as early as 1757. It does however have the "Bridled" flash pan, introduced to help give additional support to the frizzen. The lock functions well, holding at half cock and firing at full.

The stock is in very good shape, showing wear consistent with use in service. There is some wood missing on the left side of the barrel along the wood line, as well as a nice chunk missing on the left side just above the rear trigger guard. There is also a crack on the right side along the wood line, which does not show much movement. There is a lovely brass fitted wooden ramrod under the barrel, which looks to be original.

In very nice condition showing some use but just perfect for its age of 260 years. A lovely example of a very seldom seen heavy dragoon pistol, ready to research and display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: 1759
Caliber: .65" Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 11 3/4 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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