Original British Napoleonic Era Pattern 1800 Tower Marked Sea Service Flintlock Pistol with Belt Hook – circa 1805 Original Items

Original Item. Only One Available. This style of pistol was introduced in the early 18th century and was issued with a long 12″ barrel and saw active service for a century. Up until 1762 the locks bore maker’s names and years of manufacture as well as the traditional “Crown over G.R” Royal Cypher. Thereafter only the CROWN / G.R. appeared on the center of the lock plate with TOWER across the lock plate tail, as on this example.

The model evolved and by 1800, the powder pan had a “bridle”, which supported it and the frizzen from both sides, however the overall appearance of this classic Naval pistol remained unchanged. The coming of the War with France in the 1790s after the French Revolution and the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte forced Britain to heavily rearm and this pistol was then produced in great quantities.

Our example here is an exceptionally nice specimen and is in good service used condition, still displaying acceptance stamping markings as well as clear proofs to the barrel and belt hook. There are two screws behind the cock, correct for a post 1762 pistol with the revised sear spring design, and it has the correct “Bridle” on the outside of the flash pan. The barrel is marked with the correct CROWN / GR / BROAD ARROW along with the CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS of Thomas Ketland of St Catherine St, Weaman Row Birmingham, who worked 1766 to 1810. This was later adopted as the mark of the Birmingham Proofhouse. The lock functions correctly, holding at half-cock, and firing at full-cock.

The stock of this example does show a good amount of use, but we do not see any repairs of note. The right rear side of the grip has a BROAD ARROW / B O marking for the Board of Ordnance, and there is also a WB marking marking on the left side under the side plate, which was originally stamped but now has “popped out” as older markings do during cleaning. Checking the ramrod channel shows a setup marking of V I I. The ramrod is made of wood with a brass top, as is correct.

These pistols were fitted with a large belt hook on the left side opposite the lock so a sailor could use his hands for climbing the yardarm or servicing the cannons during battle. The belt hook is still present on this example, and measures 7 inches long. They remained in service through the War of 1812, the end of the Napoleonic Wars in 1815 and well into the 1820s.

Always considered one of the most romantic Naval Flintlock Pistols ever produced this classic would enhance any Napoleonic Collection. Ready to display.

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1805
Caliber: .57″ Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 12 inches
Overall Length: 19 inches
Action: Flintlock Side Action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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