Original British Napoleonic Era Pattern 1800 Tower Marked Sea Service Flintlock Pistol with Intact Belt Hook - circa 1805

Original Item. Only One Available. This style of pistol was introduced in the early 18th century, measuring approximately 19 inches in length with a long 12 inch barrel, after which it saw active service for a century with various updates to the design. 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. It has the correct CROWN / BROAD arrow "lock viewer's" mark under the flash pan, correct for this era.

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 a very nice specimen and is in good service used condition, still displaying various acceptance stamping markings as well as clear proofs to the barrel and belt hook. 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. 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. There is also a marking on the rear right wrist, which is unfortunately too faded to read.

The stock of this example does show a good amount of use, with the expected dents, small chips, and other wear from service. There are some wood filler repairs on the fore stock area around the iron cross pins, which slowly rot out the wood due to iron oxide. There is also a replaced chunk on the front right, and we did notice a repaired crack to the right of the trigger guard, under the lock plate. 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 about 7 inches long. 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.

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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