Original Item: Fewer than a dozen available. These are standard British EIC Cavalry Pistols adopted in 1843 fitted with is known as the new series side lock”. This pistol replaced the Model of 1840 that had the “old series side lock” which appeared (but wasnt) to have been constructed from flintlock parts. This pattern 1843 became the principal handgun of the East India Company up until it was taken over by the British home Government in 1859.
IMA has a few of these pistols recovered from Nepal in 2003. Each is complete and has been taking fully apart, carefully cleaned, preserved, and rebuilt. These pistols feature a “trapped” swivel ramrod, for use of horseback and a lanyard ring to the butt.
Every pistol bears the EIC Lion marking and the barrels appear numbered but do not bear obvious English proof markings indicating possible assembly in the East India Company’s own arsenals within the Indian sub-continent.
See the wonderful work by David Harding, “SMALL ARMS OF THE EAST INDIA COMPANY” Volume 2 pages 302 to 308 for full details including the original acquisition cost to the EIC of 32 Shillings, at today’s rate of exchange that would only be $2.40 each!
NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these.