Original British East India Company New Land Pattern Flintlock Dragoon Pistol with Arabic Lock Marking – Circa 1820 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a genuine Royal East India Company Flintlock Dragoon Pistol, which we believe was not made in England as there are no British Proof Marks that we can see. There is a faint proof mark on the top of the barrel that could be a partial “GP” gunmakers proof, but without any other proofs, it definitely looks more like a worn local proof. Pistols like these were in fact made in EIC Workshops in India around 1820 for the use of its own Military. At the time the EIC held a larger Military Force than the British Government in London did, India occupying such a vast space.

This example conforms every well to the EIC version of the “New Land Pattern” flintlock pistol, except that it does not have the EIC “Rampant Lion” on the lock, instead having a small oval proof that looks to have Arabic writing inside. We assume it may have been made by the EIC for use in areas farther west in the subcontinent. We believe we have seen this marking before, but unfortunately have not been able to identify it.

The pistol has what is probably a Walnut wood stock with a 9″ .69 cal. barrel and all brass mounts. It is fitted with a swivel ramrod to facilitate re-loading while on horseback. It measures 15 inches in overall length, and has the flat brass butt plate with a lanyard loop on the bottom, typical and somewhat unique to EIC pistols of this time. The lock is like other examples we have seen from this period, somewhat of a “transitional” type with a “Swan neck” cock and a frizzen reinforcement bridle on the powder pan.

It has been waxed and cared for over the years, and now shows a nice finish to the wood and metal components. There is some cracking of the stock on the left side by the rear lock screw, a very common place to see this kind of damage. There is also a crack running forward from the trigger guard. The metalwork shows a lovely patina of age, and this is definitely a pistol that saw a good amount of use. The lock however still functions correctly, holding at half cock and firing at full. The ramrod functions well, however the brass nose fitting is a bit loose, so the spring doesn’t retain it as strongly as it could.

A lovely EIC flintlock pistol with some great research potential! Ready to display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1820
Caliber: .69″ Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 9 inches
Overall Length: 15 1/2 inches
Action: Flintlock Side Action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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