Original Item: One of a Kind. This is an exceptionally interesting Dutch naval flintlock belt pistol from the Napoleonic and immediate post Napoleonic period, manufactured in the Liège gunmaking region and prominently inscribed ADMIRAAL EVERTSEN - VLISSINGEN across the top of the barrel. The pistol combines a substantial 9" smoothbore barrel of approximately .68 caliber, all brass furniture, a large lanyard ring, 5 1/4" iron belt hook bearing a Naval Anchor stamp, and an early Liège proof at the breech. Dutch naval records confirm that two vessels named Admiraal Evertsen served during this period, making the inscription particularly intriguing, although we cannot presently determine which vessel or naval establishment the marking represents.

This is an antique black powder firearm manufactured before 1899. Under federal law, it may generally be owned within the United States without a special license or permit and does not require transfer through a Federal Firearms Licensee. However, state and local laws may vary. This firearm is sold solely as a historical collector’s item and has not been test fired or inspected for firing safety by a professional gunsmith. Any mechanical or bore observations provided below describe only its present condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the firearm is safe to load or fire. The purchaser is solely responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Liège had been one of Europe's great gunmaking centers long before the creation of the modern Belgian state in 1830. During the Napoleonic period the city and its arms industry came under French rule, and after Napoleon's defeat the region became part of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands. Liège workshops produced large numbers of military, naval, commercial, and export arms during this period, making it entirely appropriate to encounter a Liège proved pistol associated with Dutch maritime service.

The pistol measures approximately 15 1/2" overall and is fitted with a 9" round smoothbore barrel. The bore measures approximately 0.68" at the muzzle.

Most importantly, the top of the barrel is engraved:

ADMIRAAL EVERTSEN - VLISSINGEN

This inscription provides an unusually specific Dutch naval association. The Evertsen family of Zeeland produced generations of celebrated Dutch naval officers, and the name was repeatedly given to vessels of the Dutch fleet. Official Dutch naval history records two ships named Admiraal Evertsen during the period relevant to this pistol: a gun schooner in service from 1803 to 1814 and an 80 gun ship of the line in service under Dutch, French, and again Dutch control from 1808 to 1819.

The added VLISSINGEN inscription is especially interesting given the city's long importance as a Zeeland naval port and dockyard. We have not, however, located documentation proving whether it identifies the vessel's station, an arsenal or issue point, or another administrative connection. We therefore preserve the inscription exactly as found without assigning this pistol to either Admiraal Evertsen with certainty.

Partial proof and inspection marks remain at the left side of the barrel breech. The top of the barrel also bears the Liège proof:

E
L G
★

in an Oval. This establishes proof at Liège. This marking was introduced circa 1810 to satisfy French requirements.

No maker's name has been identified. There is also an indistinct marking near the upper portion of the lock plate that we have not been able to interpret. We therefore leave the actual Liège maker unattributed.

The pistol has no provision for a ramrod, an arrangement encountered on some naval and belt pistols where compact, unobstructed carry was more important than having a rod permanently mounted beneath the barrel. The furniture is all brass and has developed a particularly attractive mellow golden patina. The large brass butt cap incorporates a substantial lanyard ring at its base, allowing the pistol to be secured against loss during shipboard use.

Mounted to the left side is a 5 1/4" iron belt hook. Particularly noteworthy is the clear:

NAVAL ANCHOR

stamp at its base. The combination of belt hook, lanyard ring, and anchor marking provides strong physical support for a maritime or naval service identification, independent of the barrel inscription.

The lock remains mechanically functional during manual inspection. It holds correctly at half cock and releases from full cock. These observations describe only its present mechanical condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the pistol is safe to load or fire.

Overall condition is very good for an early 19th century service pistol. The brass furniture displays an attractive naturally aged patina, while the iron barrel, lock, and belt hook show the expected darker oxidation and wear from long service. 

The walnut stock has developed a handsome red brown color and even shows some attractive figuring toward the butt. It displays the scratches, dents, staining, and other handling wear expected from military or naval use. There is a crack extending from the left barrel wedge area toward the nose cap. Aside from this, we did not observe major structural cracking or other significant stock damage.

With its boldly engraved ADMIRAAL EVERTSEN - VLISSINGEN inscription, early Liège proof, substantial .68 caliber barrel, brass naval style furniture, lanyard ring, long belt hook with anchor stamp, and strong overall condition, this is an unusually evocative Dutch maritime flintlock. The exact vessel association remains open to further research, but the surviving inscription and naval features give this pistol substantially more historical character than an anonymous commercial example. It would be an exceptional addition to a collection of Napoleonic arms, Dutch naval weapons, Liège made military pistols, or early 19th century maritime firearms.

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1815
Caliber: .67" Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 9 Inches
Overall Length: 15 1/2 Inches
Action: Flintlock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique

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.