Original British East India Company Model 1778/1808 Flintlock Short Dragoon Cavalry Pistol by Daniel Goff of London – Dated 1785 Original Items

Original Item: One of a Kind. This is truly a fantastic offering! In all brass mounts and in Excellent condition, we only gave this a gentle cleaning after acquiring this as part of an extremely well curated collection. This is a VERY rare East India Company “Short Cavalry Pistol 1778-1808”, as described in David Harding’s wonderful work, SMALL ARMS OF THE EAST INDIA COMPANY, Volume 2 on Pages 276-277. Based on the British Ordnance Light Dragoon Flintlock Pistol of the time, these were mostly made from the 1790s onward, so this very early example made in 1785 is extremely rare!

Our example was made by London Gunsmith Daniel Goff, who was a Gunmaker to Ordnance from 1782 to 1803, and to the East India Company from 1780 to 1840 when he died. William Hegley was his Manager, he took over Goff’s contracts with the East India Company in 1840

Apprenticed to William Brander in 1768, Goff was free of the Gunmakers Company in 1775. He submitted his proof piece in 1779, took Livery and had his mark registered in that year. In 1780 he became Elected Assistant, and was Master in 1784, 1797, 1805, and 1821. He established his own business in 1775 at 6 Victualling Office Square, Tower Hill. In 1782 he moved to 39 Mansell Street. Between 1783 and 1785 he moved to 119 Leadenhall Street, and in 1788/89 to 9 Bartholomew Lane. In 1790/91 he moved to 58 Mansell Street, and in 1796/97 to 21 Somerset Street, Goodmans Fields. In 1820/21 he moved to 57 Houndsditch. In 1828/29 the name of the business changed to Daniel Goff & Co and they moved to 5 Old Montague Street with additional premises at Frosty Court.

Measuring 16 inches overall with a 9 1/2 inch 0.67″ smoothbore barrel, this is definitely a bit shorter than the standard cavalry pistol of the time, representing another time when the EIC arms production anticipated a trend. The lock is clearly marked across under the pan with GOFF, as well as a CROWN / 4 EIC Viewer’s Mark. The lock plate tail has a manufacture date of 1785, over the EIC “Heart” logo, also referred to as “The Chop” after the Hindi word छाप ćhāp – which means stamp.

The top of the barrel is marked with GOFF = 1785 over another EIC “Heart” logo, both of which are still crisp. There are also clear CROWN / GP “Gunmaker’s Proof” and CROWN / V “viewed” markings from the London Gun company, surrounding a BROAD ARROW / D G marking for Daniel Goff. The right side has another CROWN / 4 inspection marking. There is also a * / DG marking on the left side of the stock above the trigger, so it looks like Goff made the stock as well. It’s rare to see a gun with the “lock, stock, and barrel” all confirmed to the same maker!

Condition is just lovely, with a great patina of age. The metalwork does not show any major oxidation issues, just some staining and wear from age. The brass fittings are well matured, and have a lovely color, as does the brass tipped wooden ramrod stored under the barrel. The stock has a beautiful color, and just shows some cracking on the right side around the lock and ramrod channel, with no repairs on the wrist that we can see. We checked the lock, and it is fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full.

This is really a fantastic collector’s opportunity! A very early example of a rare gun, just acquired by I.M.A. from a renowned collection. Ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: 1758
Caliber:  .67″ pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 9 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 16 inches
Action: Percussion lock side action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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