*British Royal Navy, Dated 1804, 1801 Pattern Tower Long Service Sea Pistol with Iron Belt Hook, Obsolete Calibre*
Approximately 49cm
Marked on Lock Plate: Tower, Crown over GR, Crown War Arrow (British Military Ownership Mark)
Marked on back of stock: Crown over 1804 over war arrow and War Arrow/BO the mark for the Board of Ordnance.
Marked on belt hook: Crown over 7
Marked on Barrel: Proof Marks Crown over Crossed Sceptres, Crown over GR
Marked on brass tip of wooden ram rod: Crown over GR
Marked on brass butt cap: Crown over War arrow
This is an excellent example of an original long barrelled flintlock British Sea Service pistol from the height of the Napoleonic Wars. It likely saw active service during a particularly turbulent era in British history, including both the Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812, making it a significant piece from this period.
With plain barrel and tang struck with Tower proofs, flat lock with GR crowned (King George III, King of England 1760-1820) and Crown War Arrow the right of the large crown and TOWER across the tail, figured walnut full-stock with apron around tang, stamped with inspection marks on the barrel – Crown over Crossed Sceptres and Crown over GR – proof marking for Pre-1813 manufacture in Birmingham, England. It has Crown over 1804 etched into the wooden stock and Crown over BO the mark for the Board of Ordnance. It has regulation pattern brass mounts at the butt cap (marked Crown Arrow), side plate, ramrod marked Crown GR, plate and the trigger guard. It also has a belt hook marked Crown 7.
Background
The British Royal Navy Sea Service Pistol is remarkable for its longevity, serving in nearly its original form for a century, from 1716 to 1816. While most military weapons of the time were replaced after a few decades, the Sea Service Pistol underwent only minor updates, predominantly in the lock mechanism, while its overall design remained consistent. From its introduction in 1716 until the end of the Napoleonic Wars in 1815, this flintlock pistol remained a staple of the Royal Navy, reflecting the empire’s naval dominance during that era.
The Pattern 1716 Sea Service Pistol was characterized by its simplicity and durability. It featured a single-shot flintlock ignition system with a 12-inch smoothbore barrel, usually around .56 caliber, well-suited for naval engagements. Its brass furniture, including a lobed butt cap, brass trigger guard, and side plate, contributed to its sturdy construction, making it both a firearm and an effective melee weapon. The addition of a steel belt hook allowed sailors to carry the pistol securely on their person, a necessity in the demanding conditions of naval warfare. The lock was initially flat, with engraved markings and an unbridled iron pan.
Over the years, minor improvements were made to enhance production and functionality. In 1777, the lock was updated to include a bridle over the pan and shorter sear spring screws. The Pattern 1801 saw further refinements with a rounded pan, the addition of a pan fence, and stamped markings for easier production. Despite these updates, the overall design, weight, and function of the pistol remained fundamentally the same, with the largest change occurring in 1816, when the barrel length was shortened from 12 inches to 9 inches to improve handling.
*Condition*
Very good used condition. The pistol has a wonderful patina. Trigger cocks and dry-fires. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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