Original Danish Model 1772 Heavy Dragoon and Naval Flintlock Pistol with Liège Proof – circa 1790 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. These are very rare, and seldom seen on the market, especially in the original flintlock configuration. This is a nice example of the classic Danish large Flintlock pistol, which served both with the Army’s Dragoons and the Danish Navy from its adoption in 1772 until 1806. The design features a substantial 13″ barrel and an overall length of 20 inches. Its successor, the Model of 1806, was very similar but was not fitted for a ramrod and had a barrel of 10 1/2″.

This example was not produced in Denmark, but instead in the Belgian city of Liège, as indicated by the E / L G / * mark in an oval on the barrel. During this time Belgium was occupied by the French, and was pressed into making firearms for France and its allies. The pistol features a nice Beech wood stock with heavy brass mounts and is very substantially made. It is marked with serial number 11 on the side plate, stock, barrel, and butt plate. There is also a small marking on the lock plate inside the frizzen spring, but we cannot quite make out what it says. There are also some markings on the barrel tang. Condition is very good, with a lovely patina, and the lock is fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full.

These classic Danish pistols were in service throughout the Napoleonic wars, when Denmark allied itself to France. Denmark was effectively eliminated as a fighting force with the First Naval Battle of Copenhagen in 1801. This was the Battle when then Vice Admiral Horatio Lord Nelson ignored the order “to withdraw” from his commanding Admiral Sir Hyde Parker by putting his telescope to his “Blind eye” saying “I see no signal”. He then went onto to completely decimate both the Danish and Norwegian fleets. The Battle of Copenhagen has always been regarded as Nelson’s hardest battle.

In 1807, the British returned to Copenhagen with both Land and Naval forces and destroyed what remained of the Danish Navy, to ensure that it did not fall into the hands of Napoleon.

Originally in 1772 production was limited to 5,000 pieces, as Denmark is a relatively small country. A rare Military Pistol, with full military proofs, Ready to Display.

Specifications: 

Years of Manufacture: 1772-1806
Caliber: .69″ Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 13 Inches
Overall Length: 20 Inches
Action: Flintlock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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