Original British Napoleonic New Land Pattern Tower Flintlock Dragoon Pistol marked to the 18th Light Dragoons - Waterloo Participant

Original Item: Only One Available. This Lovely flintlock Pistol dates to prior the Battle of Waterloo, and is a standard full stocked flintlock pistol fitted with the NEW LAND PATTERN Swivel all steel "captured" ramrod. Introduced in 1808, this allowed a Cavalryman to easily reload the pistol while on horseback without fear of dropping his ramrod.

This pistol definitely dates to prior the Battle of Waterloo, and is marked to the 18th Light Dragoons, also known as Hussars. The 18th Light Dragoons were raised in 1759 by Charles, Marquess of Drogheda, as the 19th Regiment of (Light) Dragoons; it was also known as Drogheda's Light Horse. It was then re-numbered the 19th Regiment of (Light) Dragoons in 1763, and then the 4th Regiment of Light Dragoons in 1766 before reverting to the 18th in 1769. During this period Arthur Wellesley himself was briefly a junior officer in the regiment between October 1792 and April 1793, and in 1807 they were re-designated 18th King's Irish Regiment of (Light) Dragoons (Hussars).

The regiment took part in the Peninsula Campaign starting in 1808 in Lisbon and remained on the Campaign until 1814. The regiment was present at the Battle of Waterloo when it was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel The Right Honourable Sir Henry Murray, who led the final Charge of Sir Hussey Vivian's Brigade that concluded the Battle, finally defeating Napoleon Bonaparte in 1815. There is a good chance that this pistol was carried by a dragoon during the Napoleonic wars, and possibly on the field at Waterloo itself!

This dragoon pistol is in fine tight and all original condition showing British Proof marks. The lock is marked with Crown over G.R. and TOWER on the lock plate tail, with the CROWN / DOWNWARD ARROW "Lock Viewer's" mark under the pan. It is fitted with the standard 9" .65" smooth bore barrel, which still shows visible proofs on the breech end, a rare thing to see. From what we can see, they are the CROWN / GR / DOWNWARD ARROW marking over a CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS marking, indicating Pre-1813 military inspection at the Ordnance Proof house on Tower Wharf, close to the Tower of London. The top of the barrel is marked 18 - L DS, for the 18th Light Dragoons.

Overall condition is very nice, with the expected wear from age and use. The stock has a standard brass nose cap and all brass fittings. We can see that it was refinished at some time in the past, and we can see some repairs on the left side near the nose cap and also some around the butt cap trigger guard junction. The lock functions well, holding at half cock and firing at full. The captured ramrod works as well.

A highly desirable Flintlock pistol from the Napoleonic Wars from a remarkable British regiment with an action packed history. Ready to display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1808
Caliber: .65" Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 9 inches
Overall Length: 15 1/4 inches
Action: Flintlock Side Action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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