Early 19th Century Light Dragoon Flintlock Pistol With Government Inspection Stamps But Non Standard Lock
An interesting piece with the stock stamped with several Inspectors stamps and the Storekeepers stamp dated 1800, but made to the New Land Pattern with its swivel ramrod, but with a good fitting non official lock with simple floral decoration and a swan neck cock.
The barrel is stamped with the correct Crown GR and Broad Arrow and the Crowned Crossed Sceptres and the captive ramrod has an off centre stamped Crown Inspection stamp.
Finally the stock is stamped RC next to the sideplate.
The steelwork has an uneven aged patina and has some pitting across most areas (although the barrel is pretty good except for by the touchhole). The brasswork has a pleasant uncleaned patina with a few spots of darker staining.
The walnut stock has a lovely smooth feel to it and has several areas of bruising and some splits. Two where the ramrod enters the stock (a common fault) and a couple around the rear of the lock.
The mainspring is good and the action is fine in half and full position, although I wouldn't call it crisp.
It has been a tricky one to try and classify. Were Ordnance approved parts sent to Birmingham to be finished with a commercial lock under the emergency contract in 1799/1800 when the UK was so desperately short of arms, or did this hard working service pistol simply require a replacement lock at some point.
The double line border on the lock has a military look to it and it fits well, so I am thinking that the lock is original to the pistol.
Barrel length 23cm, Overall length 39cm.
This antique pistol is considered obsolete and non functioning, and is sold as a collectable ornamental item. This product is available for purchase in the UK without a license
