Original British North American Brass Barrel Fur-Trade Flintlock Pistol by Thomas Ketland & Co. – Circa 1813 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Specifically produced in England for the North American Fur Trade, these Trade pistols were intended for the use of the Trappers and the Native American population as well. This example was made circa 1813, marked on the lock by T KETLAND & Co., with LONDON stamped on the top of the brass barrel. This is the marking for Thomas Ketland, a highly successful Birmingham gun maker. He started working about 1740, and founded his own business around 1760, which then expanded into the export market around 1790. His business continued following his death in 1816, eventually ceasing operations in 1821.

For a good portion of this time, his son William Ketland was a partner in this firm, but left it to start his own company in 1800, W. Ketland & Co. Following his death in 1804 the name was shortened to Ketland & Co., and it operated for decades under this name before finally folding in 1831. The Ketland Companies  over almost 100 years transacted a tremendous amount of business both domestically and abroad. Their Birmingham markings were so well known that in 1813 they became the official Birmingham Proof marks.

The pistol is a very nice relatively plain brass mounted pistol fitted with a 8 ½ inch long heavy round brass barrel, and measuring 14 ½ inches in overall length. Unlike many that we see, it is still in the original flintlock configuration, though it is an early style lock, without a frizzen reinforcement bridle. The breech of the barrel bears the CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / BPC “proof” and CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / V “viewed” marks from the English city of Birmingham on the top near the breech. These are the correct markings for 1813 and later manufacture, indicating this was made sometime during 1813-1821. There is an additional mark between the proofs that may be a maker mark.

Overall the pistol is in very nice sound condition, with a lovely patina. It looks to have been cleaned and lacquered overall long ago, which has allowed the brass to slowly mature to a nice deep yellow color, still relatively shiny. The stock is in very good shape, with a lovely color, and does no show any cracks or major damage, just the usual wear from use. There is a bit of flame to the grain near the muzzle, and there is a great escutcheon on the back of the wrist. We checked the lock action, and it is functional, but will fire at full cock due to tumbler wear.

These were widely distributed to the Native populations in both the United States and Canada during the early years after the revolutionary war. Many of these were later converted to percussion, however this example is still in the original flintlock configuration, which is rare to see.

In lovely display condition, just what one would have expected to see on the North American frontier! 

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1813-1821
Bore Diameter: .70″ pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 8 ½ inches
Overall Length: 14 ½ inches
Action: Percussion 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.