Flintlock Heavy Dragoon Pistol marked Tower…..

Interesting Heavy Dragoon Flintlock

Of standard specification for the Heavy Dragoon Pistol of the period.  Recognisable by the long “ears” of the brass pummel or pistol butt cap.  Flintlock with early swan-neck cock and curved banana-shaped lock plate.  With a 12″ long slender barrel of .60′ bore.  Full length walnut stock and two brass rod bands beneath.

Overall the pistol measures approx’ 19.1/2″ There are few surviving marks on the barrel but on very careful inspection the remanents of hand struck script can be seen along the top exposed surface – this is usually where we would expect to see the ownership inscription of the regiment.  Also towards the breech area of the barrel very faint barrel inspection marks can be observed.  With a magnifying glass there are remanents of even more similar marks in the same are.  We would expect them to be possibly barrel makers initials and early crown proofs.

It appears that the surfaces of the pistol, as a whole, may have been restored at some stage but closer to the begining of its existance.  It shows all the normal traces of residual corrosion that are entirely normal on any other pistol or carbine of the period.  On examination of the lock, the shape is quite pronounced – this may have been an issue of style, requested by the Officer who ordered it; as originally this example is thought to have been a private purchase. Other pointers to this are the barrel (mentioned above) the lack of a crown inspectors mark upon the outer face of the lock or a lock makers mark and inspection mark on the inside.  It is also suggested that this lock may be a replacement which in itself has been refinished.  The double border engraved lines correctly navigate the shape and screws as expected.  However all other indicators on dissembly of the pistol indicate a genuine example – so this pistol has history.  The barrel certainly may have started life much earlier than the lock suggests – it too has been cleaned on the underside but also shows remanents of vice jaw marks seen on other pistols we have inspected, namely the Sea Service type of the early 1800’s.

The stock carving is all as should be on a Dragoon as are all the brass parts – they conform exactly to type.  The actual trigger blade also culminates in a reaward curl – an early feature.  Then, once again, the weapon throws us a curve, in that we just can not be sure there are any crown marks in the inside of the ram-rod channel.  There is an indentation of the correct size and shape but it is not readable with the eye or magnifyer.  In a way, one has to take a chance on this one to a certain extent; it shows alot of genuine indicators but it is bucking the strickest of rules hence the price it is being offered at.  The front end of the stock around the barrel is showing some deteriation or splintering.  Wood to metal fit of all components is good and the aprons and detail around the stock is all there, if showing some wear.

A fine wall hanger but possibly more with considerable research challenges to be considered…..

Antique – No License required

£ 2850.

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