Original British EIC Model 1843 Percussion Dragoon Pistol Made With Brunswick Rifle Parts – British Proofed Barrel Original Items

Original Item: Only one available. This is a very interesting example of a British EIC Cavalry Pistol, which we noticed is quite a bit more “robust” than we are used to seeing. it is about an inch longer than the standard, and very heavily built. Closer inspection of the barrel showed two grooves inside, and very thick walls, so it looks like this pistol was made locally using parts from a later model Brunswick Rifle, something that we have not seen before!

This pattern of EIC pistol was first adopted in 1843, fitted with what 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 wasn’t) 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.

We purchased this at a recent military show, but it almost certainly originated from our Nepalese Palace purchase of 2003. It has a faded EIC lion on the lock plate, which looks to be the Indian style, meaning the lock was made locally, most likely in India. The barrel however is marked with two CROWN / V “viewed” markings as well as the CROWN / GP “gunmaker’s proof”, so we believe it is of English manufacture for a Brunswick rifle. It was then cut down and adapted into a pistol barrel, and the lock probably came with it as well. The pistol has the correct trapped swivel ramrod for use while mounted on a horse, and the standard lanyard ring on the butt, to keep the pistol itself from being dropped. It does look like the swivel ramrod and linkage may have been replaced at some point, and it can slip through the retaining ring easily.

The pistol has a lovely aged patina overall, and the lock is fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full. The stock shows no major damage, and looks to have a finish applied to it long ago, which is now somewhat degraded.

Please 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!

A very nice example, ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1850
Caliber: .71″
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 9 ¾ inches
Overall Length: 16 ¾ inches
Action: Percussion lock side action
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.