Original Dutch Napoleonic Flintlock Naval Pistol marked to Alkmaar & City of Antwerp – circa 1790 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Belgium as we know it today was only established in 1830, when the population rebelled against Dutch rule. Prior to that, most of the country had been known as Flanders and other local areas, which were possessions of Spain, France and Holland over the prior several hundreds of years. Belgium was an Industrial powerhouse with its great capacity coming from the City of Liège, where gun making was a key industry supplying Military Weapons all over Europe.

The Flintlock pistol offered here was most likely manufactured in Liège in the late 19th century for the Netherlands Navy. Pistols of this type were in wide use in Belgium itself, as well as other Countries and the Civilian Market. This is a substantial brass mounted walnut stocked completely standard Military Flintlock Pistol of the day. The design was robust, and saw use for decades, particularly during the Napoleonic wars. The belt hook in particular made it very easy to keep secured. There are few maker markings on the gun, except for a CROWN over DN proof mark on the lock plate just rear of the pan. This is an arsenal stamp indicating “Delft Nederlandse”, indicating it was processed at arsenal there before being dispersed into service.

It is also marked clearly on the top of the barrel with ALKMAAR ANTWERPEN, with a W proof over the breech. This is definitely a naval issue pistol, and Alkmaar is the name of a Dutch Fourth Rate ship of the line, launched in 1782, and later captured by the British at the Battle of Camperdown in 1797. This pistol may have been captured with the ship, and then was pressed into service on the HMS Alkmaar. Antwerp is the major port city of the Netherlands, and probably where the ship was based out of before capture. Definitely some fantastic research potential in this pistol.

The pistol is in very good condition, showing a lovely patina of age with wear from service. It features a 9 inch barrel and overall length of 15 1/2 inches, correct for the pattern, and has been lightly cleaned and polished to put it into its best light. The lock functions, however it will fire at both half and full cock due to wear on the tumbler. There are no major breaks or damage in the stock that we can see, just lots of small dents, dings, and other markings from years of service. There is a small crack on the left side by the brass nose cap. The wood looks to be beech or maybe walnut, with a great color.

Fully cleaned and ready to display and research!

Specifications: 

Years of Manufacture: circa 1790
Caliber: .67″ Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 9 Inches
Overall Length: 15 1/2 Inches
Action: Flintlock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country’s antique gun laws prior to ordering.