Original British Napoleonic P-1796 Light Dragoon Flintlock Pistol Marked to the 12th 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 12th Light Dragoons, later known as the 12th Royal Lancers. This Regiment of Light Dragoons/Lancers were raised in 1715 by Brigadier General PHINEAS BOWLES and became the 12th Regiment of Dragoons in 1751. In 1768, King George III bestowed the badge of the three ostrich feathers and the motto “Ich Dien” on the regiment and re-titled it as the 12th (Prince of Wales’s) Regiment of (Light) Dragoons.

Under this name it took part in the French Revolutionary War in 1794 followed by the Egyptian Campaign of 1801 and joined Wellington in in 1811 in the Peninsular Campaign under the Command of Colonel FREDERICK PONSONBY. It took part in the Battle of Waterloo and joined SIR JOHN VANDERLEUR’s Brigade, which charged with the UNION Brigade in which FREDERICK PONSONBY was killed. 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 TOWER across the tail. There is also the standard CROWN / BROAD ARROW “Lock Viewer’s” marking under the powder pan. The barrel bears the correct CROWN / GR over a faint CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS proof markings for manufacture in Birmingham, England. The top of the barrel is marked XII L-DS, for the 12th 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. Caliber: .69″ Pistol.

A highly desirable 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 inches
Action: Flintlock Side Action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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