Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a lovely early British Light Dragoon pistol, signed WILSON on the early three screw lock, which also features a very early faceted flash pan and unbridled faceted frizzen. It features an 11 inch barrel with the tang screw rising from the trigger guard. The pistol appears to be date from about 1740, but definitely has seen some transformations over the years.
Wilson was a very prolific family, the earliest dating to about 1720 and with various succeeding Wilsons made copious Antique guns for almost 200 years. This circa 1740 example started life as a Dragoon pistol but fell into, we suspect, Ottoman hands, probably damaged almost beyond repair. The barrel and the Lock were reused in an Ottoman style stock having a short “display” ram rod with a completely Ottoman Copper trigger guard and trigger assembly. Possibly the original brass butt Cap and three screw side plate were reinstalled but the wood stock and some mounts are totally Ottoman made.
The barrel does look to have been reused, and is marked with the CROWN / GP gunmaker’s proof and CROWN / V “viewed” markings from the London proof house. There is also a * / W marking between the two markings, though we do not recognize it. We checked the action of the lock, and it holds correctly and fires at full cock, though there is some slop in the mechanics.
A very rare model of British Military Pistol of the 1740’s which was faithfully rebuilt by Ottoman Craftsmen. Ready to display!
Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: circa 1740 – Rebuilt Later
Caliber: .69″ Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 11 inches
Overall Length: 17 1/2 inches
Action: Flintlock Side Action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded
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