Original Item. Only One Available. These are exceedingly rare, and almost never seen on today’s market. This is a great Late 17th Century Flintlock Dragoon pistol, which bears the Royal Cypher of King William III on the lock plate.
King William III, known as “WILLIAM OF ORANGE”, had been born in the Hague, then part of the Dutch Republic, heir to the principality of Orange. By 1677 he was Prince William of Orange, and he married the English Princess Mary, the daughter of King James II. William was himself the grandson of King Charles I of England through his mother Mary, who was also grandfather to Mary, his wife. King James II, because of his Catholic religion, was ousted in 1688 as what was called the “bloodless revolution.” William and Mary were then asked to come from Holland to take the throne. She lived until 1694 and the King William III ruled alone until 1702. Having no issue, they were succeeded by Queen Anne.
This fine Flintlock Dragoon Pistol is all iron mounted. It has THREE horizontal lock plate screws without a side plate, and has a 12 inch long .65″ cal iron barrel. It is clearly marked with the Cypher of King William III on the lock plate of CROWN over WR. Up until 1694 the joint Cypher was CROWN over WM partially entwined, so this pistol was made sometime between 1694 and 1702, when William ruled alone.
The iron butt cap is round without any spurs, very similar to the James II Dragoon pistols of 1685 – 1688. The top of the barrel does not bear any visible proof marks, but it may very well have been a “Dutch” Import since that was King William’s origin, and those proofs may have been removed.
Showing use and some rust staining to the butt cap this pistol is in great shape and fully functional. It even retains its all wood ramrod.
Very rare and ready to display.
Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: circa 1695-1702
Caliber: .65″ Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 12 inches
Overall Length: 20 inches
Action: Flintlock Side Action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded
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