Original British Flintlock New Land Pattern 23rd Light Dragoons Marked Pistol – Circa 1812 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Often referred to as a New Land Pistol, this Dragoon Pistol in .65 bore has a swivel ramrod which, in theory, allowed a Dragoon to reload whilst on horseback without fear of dropping his ramrod. This is the typical style Dragoon Pistol of the Napoleonic Wars that ended in 1815 with the great Battle of Waterloo. Length overall is approximately 15 1/2 inches. Offered in very nice working order and condition with a beautiful patina. A very nice British Martial pistol that very probably saw action at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

The lock has a safety switch behind the Cock and the lock plate is marked “TOWER” across the rear with a Crown over “G.R.” to the center standing for King George III. The mounts are all brass and the barrel, with British Proof marks, is 9″ in length. Found in a very neglected condition by an English Collector some 40 years ago, he has completely restored the pistol to it’s as issued condition. The barrels shows evidence of some old rust pits and there are the expected scuffs on the brass mounts.

Of particular interest is the Regimental Marking inscribed on the brass trigger guard:-

23  L  D
A
—
60

which indicates it was issued to the 23rd Light Dragoons, Company A, and to Trooper number 60.

The 23rd Light Dragoons were raised in 1794 with the threat of War with France following the French Revolution, they were actually then the 26th Light Dragoon but the title was changed in 1802. They took part in the Peninsula War under Wellington and most significantly at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 in which they sustained many casualties. Their commander at the battle was Lieutenant Colonel John, Earl of Portarlington. but was absent during the actual battle and with the 18th Hussars.

The Command was taken by MAJOR JOHN MERVIN CUTCLIFFE who was severely wounded in the battle. The 23rd Light Dragoons were disbanded in 1818.

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