Early 19th Century Dutch Sea Service Pistol With Engraved Barrel And Fitted Belt Hook
This type of Sea Service pistol are well known for their robust build and utilitarian appearance, not this one!
Everything is as it should be except that beautifully engraved along the top of the barrel is "Admiraal Piet Hein" and on the left side is a fitted belt hook.
The Admiraal Piet Hein was an 80 Gun Ship of the line laid down by the Royal Netherlands Navy in 1806 named after a 17th Century Admiral, but was still incomplete when the French annexed Holland in 1810.
In 1811 Napolean ordered some reworking and completion of the ship that was renamed "Piet Hein". It was launched in May of 1813.
It was surrendered back to Holland after the fall of Rotterdam in the December of that same year.
She was renamed "Admiraal Piet Hein" and remained in service for another 6 years before being broken up in 1819.
Was this piece engraved and improved with the belt hook by a grateful Officer once the ship had been returned, or was it done as a souvenir piece to commemorate the same? I guess we will never know but I have seen many of these pistols, but none like this.
Ok, back to the pistol itself.
The steelwork is in good condition with a bright finish, although there is a slight peppering of light corrosion on the lock and the brass is clean and not brightly polished.
The mainspring is good, although not as strong as other Dutch Sea Service pistols I have handled and the action is crisp is both half and full position.
The stock itself has suffered hardly any bruising and is in great shape, apart from an old split that runs through the shoulder of the butt and up to the belt hook (highlighted in the photos).
A very attractive Sea Service flintlock pistol of the Napoleonic period tied to a specific ship.
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
