Original Item: Only One Available. This type of Pistol was manufactured in Belgium, which was under Napoleon Bonaparte’s control until 1814. Production continued after the battle of Waterloo in 1815 and very possibly into the 1820’s. Belgium was an Industrial powerhouse, with its great capacity coming from the City of Liège, where gun making was a key industry, and would end up supplying Military Weapons all over Europe after Belgian Independence in 1830.
There is no provision for ramrod, the mounts are all of brass and the grade of manufacture is really quite high. Probably one of the most encountered original flintlock martial pistols from Europe encountered to day. There are no maker markings on the gun, except for a CROWN over DN proof mark on the lock plate just rear of the pan. This is an arsenal stamp indicating “Delft Nederlandse“, indicating it was processed at arsenal in the Netherlands before being dispersed into service.
The pistol is fitted with a 9″ barrel showing a stylized MAARTEN HARPTENTZOON TROMP engraved on the top. Admiral Maarten Harpertszoon Tromp was born in the late 1500’s and played a great part in liberating Holland from its enemies, especially England. Regarded as the Greatest Dutch Admiral he lived to around 1650. He was considered to be the “DUTCH NELSON”, and has had eight ships of the Royal Netherlands Navy named in his honor. We believe this example was most likely the second such ship, a 64/68 gun ship of the line launched in 1808, and sold in 1820.
The pistol’s overall length is about 15 1/4″ and it has a large lanyard ring on the bottom of the brass mounted butt cap. All the mounts are brass and the overall condition is really nice. The stock does show wear overall from service, with many scratches and small dents, and there is a crack on the right side running from the barrel wedge escutcheon to the nose cap. The pistol has the original barrel wedge installed, which was missed for the photography, and found later, so it is definitely included. The lock is functional, however it will fire at half cock with a strong trigger pull.
A great European Naval flintlock pistol, fully cleaned and ready to display!
Specifications:
Years of Manufacture: c.1800-10
Caliber: .697″ Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 9 Inches
Overall Length: 15 1/4 Inches
Action: Flintlock
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.