Original British Napoleonic P-1796 Light Dragoon Flintlock Pistol by Ketland & Co. Marked to the 18th Light Dragoons – Waterloo Participant Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a lovely P-1796 Light Dragoon pistol, the standard pistol in use during most of the Napoleonic wars. This pistol definitely dates to prior the Battle of Waterloo, and is marked to the 18th Light Dragoons, also known as Hussars. The 18th Light Dragoons were raised in 1763 by Charles, Marquis of Droghera, and in 1807 they were re-designated 18th King’s Irish Regiment of (Light) Dragoons (Hussars).

The regiment took part in the Peninsula Campaign starting in 1808 in Lisbon and remained on the Campaign until 1814. The regiment was present at the Battle of Waterloo when it was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel The Right Honourable Sir Henry Murray, who led the final Charge of Sir Hussey Vivian’s Brigade that concluded the Battle, finally defeating Napoleon Bonaparte in 1815. There is a good chance that this pistol was carried by a dragoon during the Napoleonic wars, and possibly on the field at Waterloo itself!

The pistol is a standard full stocked flintlock pistol which conforms well to the P-1796 standard, used by British Dragoons across the empire. The Lock Plate is marked (CROWN) / G.R. under the pan, with KETLAND & Co. across the tail, for the famous Birmingham-based gunmaker. These markings indicates that the pistol was purchased directly by an officer of the regiment, as they were required to purchase their own arms. There is also the standard “Lock Viewer’s” marking under the powder pan.

The barrel bears the correct CROWN / GR over CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS proof markings for manufacture in Birmingham, England by Ketland, which later became the proof mark for all of Birmingham produced guns. The top of the barrel is marked XVIII L-DS, for the 18th Light Dragoons.

The ramrod is brass fit wood, and is stowed under the 9 inch long .69″ caliber barrel. The stock is in good condition, with a nice color, though there are definitely some repaired cracks as well as grafted in pieces of wood. There are some of these around the lock plate, as well as on the left side of the stock along the woodline. The lock is in good shape and functional, holding properly at half cock, and firing at full.

A highly desirable private purchase Flintlock Light Dragoon Pistol from the Napoleonic Wars, ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1800
Caliber: .69″ Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 9 inches
Overall Length: 15 1/2 inches
Action: Flintlock 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.