19th Century English Sea Service Flintlock Belt Pistol Of William IV In Very Nice Condition With Blackened Steelwork
The last of the Royal Navies flintlocks, they were quite a design departure from earlier models adopting the brass forend cap and swivel ramrod of the New Land Patterns Cavalry pistols. They also changed the sideplate to the Eliott Light Dragoon design.
Although chipped and scratched in places this one still retains most of its blackened finish to the barrel and vestiges of it on the lockplate.
This does mean that the steelwork seems to be in good condition.
The lock is stamped with Crown WR and the Crowned Broad Arrow Inspection Stamp.
The mainspring is strong and the action is crisp and smooth in half and full position. The frizen is also quite lively. It is difficult to see the Proof Marks clearly through the black paint but I can see two Crown stamps.
The belt hook is clean steel and has its Crown Inspection Stamp.
The stock is interesting in that it has a very clean replaced section just behind the ramrod pipe which I believe to be an "in service" repair. Other than this it is in great condition with no splits or cracks and just the bruising you might expect. It is also stamped with the Board of Ordnance Broad Arrow BO Mark as well as two faint Crowned 9 Inspection Marks. Just below the belt hook fixings is a stamped "T" and behind the belt hook a very faint "P".
That is it for stock markings except the beautiful striped grain in the wood, very attractive.
Finally the brasswork which is also in good condition and is clean without being polished.
A cracking piece of Naval history.
Barrel length 33cm, Overall length 38.5cm.
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
