Original British Napoleonic Flintlock Light Dragoon Pistol by H. Nock marked to 23rd Light Dragoons – dated 1801 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This Flintlock Pistol dates to prior the Battle of Waterloo, however the 23rd Light Dragoons did take part in the great battle that finally defeated Napoleon Bonaparte in 1815, so it might just have been there. The Lock Plate is marked H=NOCK, indicating manufacture by the famed London gunsmith, Henry Nock. Above this is a proof mark, and the lock plate tail has a date of 1801 over the EIC heart, indicating the soldier who carried this may originally have been in EIC service, or was private purchased.

The pistol is a standard full stocked flintlock pistol and has all brass mounts. The rear of the barrel and trigger guard are engraved C / 14, representing the 14th man in “C” Company of the 23RD LIGHT DRAGOONS, which is also marked on the barrel (XXIII REG’T L=D). The ramrod is a “captured” type, typical of the “New Land Pattern”, which like many types was copied from East India Company innovations.

The 23rd Light Dragoons was a cavalry regiment of the British Army which existed several times, and the this pistol would have been from their Third Incarnation. Their battle honors were: Talavera, Peninsula, Egypt, and Waterloo.

This third instance of the regiment was formed on 10 March 1803 by re-numbering the 26th Light Dragoons, and served in Spain, Egypt and at Waterloo, before being disbanded at Radipole Barracks on 24 November 1817. The 26th Light Dragoons had been raised in 1795 by Major-General Russell Manners.

Notable officers who served in the regiment include Frederick Cavendish Ponsonby, Sir William Payne-Gallwey, 1st Baronet, Joseph Muter and Henry Fane.

In fine tight and all original condition showing no restoration in fine condition. 9″ .65″ smooth bore barrel bearing British Proof Marks including CROWN / GR.

A highly desirable EIC Private Purchase Flintlock from the Napoleonic Wars that may have seen action at the Battle of Waterloo. Ready to display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: 1801
Caliber: .65″ Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 9 inches
Overall Length: 15.5 inches
Action: Flintlock Side Action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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