Original British Napoleonic 2nd Life Guards Early Dragoon Flintlock Pistol – Named to Waterloo Soldier Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is most interesting and found up at an Eastern U.S. gun show just two weeks ago. It is a perfectly standard Light Dragoon Pistol with no safety fitted.

It is smothered in official stampings and markings including the year 1805 and 1831. On the underside of the trigger guard finger bow it is engraved 2ND L-G for SECOND LIFEGUARDS, and on the brass side plate the name S.GODLEY.

Research tells us that Private Samuel Godley served with his regiment at the Battle of Waterloo and had his horse shot away from under him. He stood up, having lost his helmet, displaying his completely bald head, only to see a French Cuirassier bearing down on him. In front of his entire brigade Godley dismounts his attacker killing him and then, still bare headed, takes the Frenchman’s horse and returns to his unit to the cries of his fellow troopers:

WELL DONE THE MARQUIS OF GRANBY

He was given this nickname in reference to a similarly completely bald Aristocrat of the day. See WATERLOO ROLL CALL by Charles Dalton page 267.

Private Godley survived the great battle, retired from the Regiment in 1824 and died in 1831. The pistol, in fine condition, displays Crown over G.R. and TOWER on the lock plate and the swivel ramrod designed for the use of the Cavalry while mounted.

It is highly unusual to find a trooper’s name on his pistol and we cannot verify if it is period engraved. However, this is a great pistol with all the proper characteristics and an 1805 date as well as a fascinating story from one of Great Britain’s finest battles. Loads of markings for a ton of research potential as well.

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these.