Original British Napoleonic P-1796 Light Dragoon Flintlock Pistol by Ketland & Co. Marked to the 2nd German Light Dragoons – Waterloo Participant Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. We often overlook that the British Kings of the 1700s were not English at all but were from the German State of Hanover, starting with King George I in 1714. He was followed by George II until 1760 and then the famous King George III of American Revolutionary war fame. King George III lived right through the Napoleonic Wars which ended in 1815 subsequently passed away in 1820. Consequently the British army was full of Germans and German Regiments, probably best remembered as the The King’s German Legion, a British Army unit of mostly expatriate German personnel during the period 1803–16. The Legion achieved the distinction of being the only German force to fight without interruption against the French during the Napoleonic Wars.

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 on the trigger guard with 2 – G – L – D, for the 2nd German Light Dragoon Regiment. Part of the King’s German Legion, the cavalry units such as this were rumored to be the best in the British Army at the time. Their numbers were used to bolster many units which had suffered attrition during the Napoleonic wars during the peninsular campaign and at Waterloo. 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 after 1806, when “& Co.” was added to the name. These markings indicates that the pistol was purchased directly by an officer of the regiment, as they were required to purchase their own arms. The barrel bears the correct CROWN / GR over CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS proof markings for manufacture in Birmingham, England by Ketland, which in 1813 became the proof mark for all of Birmingham produced guns.

The ramrod is brass fit wood, and is stowed under the 9 inch long .69″ caliber barrel. The channel is marked with assembly number VIII. The stock is in very good condition, with a lovely color and shows the typical wear from service and display. There is some cracking along the woodgrain on both sides of the stock, but we do not see any major damage or movement. 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 1806
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.