Original British P-1858 Tower Marked Lancer’s Rifled Percussion Pistol with Intact Rear Adjustable Sight – dated 1863 Original Items

Original Item: Only one available. Here we have a very nice British P-1858 Lancer’s Percussion Service Pistol, the pistol version of the P-1853 Enfield rifle. It was made for the same .577 Minié ball ammunition, and features a 5 groove rifled barrel. Similar guns were issued by the East Indian Government around the same time, but they were in a larger .65 caliber smoothbore, as they did not want the colonies to have the most modern weapons.

The pistol is definitely all British made, and has a faint ARROW proof on the left side of the barrel breech. The lock is marked 1863 / TOWER, with a CROWN / V. R. on the lock plate tail, indicating military issue during the reign of Queen Victoria. The pistol retains its trapped swivel ramrod for use while mounted on a horse, which is in very good condition. There is no lanyard loop on the butt plate, though these were sometimes removed during service. There is however no evidence that this example ever had one.

The walnut stock on this example is very nice, with lovely grain, and no major damage, just the usual service wear. There are some faint stamped cartouches on the left side, which look to possibly be makers initials. It has the standard all brass furniture, which has a lovely “mustard” patina. The barrel still has the original three leaf adjustable sight, which is almost always damaged or lost. The sight is still intact, though the leaves are a bit hard to move. We checked the lock action, and it is fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full.

A very nice Victorian Era Issue Percussion pistol in really great shape, ready to display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: 1863
Caliber: .58″ pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 10 inches
Overall Length: 15 1/2 inches
Action: Percussion lock 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.