Original British Fur-Trade Pistol by W. Ketland & Co. Converted to Percussion – circa 1800 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Specifically produced in England for the North American Fur Trade, these Trade pistols were intended for the use of the Trappers and the Native American population as well. The lock is marked W. / KETLAND and the barrel has faded British Proof marks from Birmingham.

This family business was started in 1740 by William Ketland, who is recorded as working from 1740-1804, eventually expanding to have operations in both Birmingham and London as W. Ketland & Co.. Following his death in 1804 the name was shortened to Ketland & Co., and it operated for decades under this name before finally folding in 1831. However it lasted over almost 100 years transacted a tremendous amount of business both domestically and abroad. Their Birmingham markings were so well known that in 1813 they became the official Birmingham Proof marks.

The pistol has all brass mounts, and the barrel measures 9″ and is about .63 bore. It still has the original ramrod, though the brass tip is missing, and the entire rod may be a replacement. The lock is functional, and holds at half-cock, firing at full.

These were widely distributed to the Native populations in both the United States and Canada during the early years after the revolutionary war. They also saw much use by Trappers, and a very economical upgrade was to convert to the percussion cap system, which was far more resistant to weather issues, as well as much faster on the reload. The pistol was probably converted in the 1840s, and the mounts for the frizzen spring, frizzen, and pan can still be seen on the lock plate.

In nice display condition, just what one would have expected to see on the North American frontier! 

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1800
Caliber: .63″ Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder with percussion cap
Barrel Length: 9 inches
Overall Length: 14 1/2 inches
Action: Percussion Side Action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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