Original Napoleonic Danish Model 1772 Heavy Dragoon and Naval Flintlock Pistol Serial 42 - circa 1790

Original Item: Only One Available. These are very rare, and seldom seen on the market, especially in the original flintlock configuration. This is a nice example of the classic Danish large Flintlock pistol, which served both with the Army's Dragoons and the Danish Navy from its adoption in 1772 until 1806. The design features a substantial 13" barrel and an overall length of 20 inches. Its successor, the Model of 1806, was very similar but was not fitted for a ramrod and had a barrel of 10 1/2".

This example was not most likely not produced in Denmark, but instead in the Belgian city of Liège, though unfortunately due to wear most markings on the breech are worn away and/or unclear. During this time Belgium was occupied by the French, and was pressed into making firearms for France and its allies. This marking was later used again in the late 19th century to comply with German proof laws. Definitely some interesting research potential.

The pistol features a nice wood stock with heavy brass mounts, including a lovely "long eared" butt cap and trigger guard that goes back almost to the butt. It is substantially made, and looks to have seen long use and probably multiple servicings. The wood looks to have been finished with a dark varnish or finish long ago, probably to help protect against the sea air. There is some chipping, and we can also see what looks to be HOEL and some other letters carved into the bottom of the stock, which are under the finish. The pistol is marked with serial number 42 on the side plate, stock by the side plate, barrel, and butt plate. There is a small marking on the lock plate inside the frizzen spring, which looks to be CMK in a box. There is also a W and 47 on the barrel tang, which could be rack numbers from the ship. Condition is very good, with a lovely patina, and the lock is fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full, though it requires a hard and fast trigger pull to keep it from hanging up at half cock.

These classic Danish pistols were in service throughout the Napoleonic wars, when Denmark allied itself to France. Denmark was effectively eliminated as a fighting force with the First Naval Battle of Copenhagen in 1801. This was the Battle when then Vice Admiral Horatio Lord Nelson ignored the order "to withdraw" from his commanding Admiral Sir Hyde Parker by putting his telescope to his "Blind eye" saying "I see no signal". He then went onto to completely decimate both the Danish and Norwegian fleets. The Battle of Copenhagen has always been regarded as Nelson's hardest battle.

In 1807, the British returned to Copenhagen with both Land and Naval forces and destroyed what remained of the Danish Navy, to ensure that it did not fall into the hands of Napoleon.

Originally in 1772 production was limited to 5,000 pieces, as Denmark is a relatively small country. A rare Military Pistol, ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: 1772-1806
Caliber: .69" Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 13 Inches
Overall Length: 20 1/4 Inches
Action: Flintlock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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