This antique pistol has British proof marks on the tapered round barrel, but is otherwise unmarked on the lock as to a maker. It does not have any British military markings. Stocked in European walnut, and trimmed in dragoon pistol style brass furniture. This pistol would be a typical commercial military style percussion pistol from the early percussion period, circa the late 1830's to early 1840's.
The 8" tapered round pistol barrel is marked with Birmingham proof and view marks as well as the 16 balls to the pound gauge mark. The barrel exterior has aged to a silvery gray brown patina. No front or rear sight was fitted, typical of a military style pistol designed to be used at close range. The right hand side of the barrel has a visible vise mark from clamping just ahead of the lock. The 16 gauge bore mark would be typical of a .66 caliber. This pistol has been relined with a .70 caliber insert. The lined bore is bright, but does have a few visible reamer marks about 1" behind the muzzle.
The walnut stock shows many handling marks from 150+ years. There is a epoxy repaired crack at the muzzle end down through the centerline of the stock to the ramrod entry pipe. The muzzle end has some visible cracks on both sides on the side panels, these both appear to be cosmetic currently. The side panel has a filler used between the breech and the rear lock bolt to replace some missing wood. The brass trigger is retained with a pin up front and a screw in the grip rail. The brass butt cap is retained with a steel screw. The tapered iron ramrod passes through a single brass ramrod pipe. Two bolts pass through the early 19th century style military brass sideplate to secure the lock on the opposite side.
The percussion lock appears to be similar to the 1839 era British percussion musket lock and is notched for the snail of the breech, which is not quite as refined a design as found on the later 1842 cavalry pistols and muskets of the era. The lock has a engraved double line border, but is otherwise unmarked as to a maker. The half cock notch and full cock notches are crisp. The breech is fitted with a antique percussion nipple for a musket cap.
With a wonderful warm patina, this pistol will be a great conversation piece to display. The antique bore has been relined so it could also be fired and would clean up easily. Order it for a ten day visual inspection. You will be delighted. Else return it in same condition for same-day refund. Postage is your only risk, your cost of inspecting our offerings, when you order any one-of-a-kind gun from Track, whether new, used, or antique.