Original Item: Only One Available. This very nice "attic find" flintlock sea service pistol was most likely made in Birmingham for England's oldest European Ally, Portugal, for a contract issued originally by the Portuguese King DON PEDRO III. He came to the throne in 1777 but died prematurely in 1786. The contract was filled over years, in fact over decades right up to the time of Portugal's war, with Napoleon known as the PENINSULA WAR, which concluded in 1813/14.

This particular Dragoon Pistol is definitely longer than those used by the British during the Napoleonic Wars. It features a 12" barrel of about .65" bore, and an overall length of 19 inches. It features all brass mountings, typical of sea service, and the lock and barrel show quite a bit of oxidation due to exposure to the sea air. This has unfortunately made the markings very faint, but there is still a faint GR visible on the lock plate. The barrel proof marks are all but gone.

Overall condition is good, but definitely shows age and wear, with some components being close to "relic" condition. The sea air definitely took its toll on the vulnerable iron and steel components. The wood and brass faired much better, though there is wear and damage, as with any pistol that saw long service. The stock has some cracking on the left side near the lock screws, and there are also some small wood fill repairs. The trigger guard is cracked through near the butt cap. There is a ramrod, but it is a carved wood replacement.

Being England's old ally when Napoleon invaded both Spain and France England sent Arthur Wellesley, later the Duke of Wellington, to lead the allied armies of Portugal, England and the free Spanish volunteers to evict the French. This took five hard years from 1808 until 1813.

A fine example of a British ally's contract Sea Service pistol offered in very nice display condition. Ready to restore or display as is!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1800
Caliber: .65" Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 12 inches
Overall Length: 19 inches
Action: Flintlock 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.