A MUSEUM QUALITY & VERY SCARCE REVOLUTIONARY WAR PERIOD PATTERN 1756/1777 “LONG” SEA SERVICE PISTOL, ca. 1777: In overall excellent original flintlock configuration. Regulation pattern, round, iron, .56 caliber, smoothbore, 12″, pin-fastened barrel with two (2), crisp, Board of Ordnance proof-marks, on the breech-top, a Crown/Crossed Scepters and a Crown mark, on the barrel-tang and a Crown/6 acceptance mark, forward of the touch hole. Fine Walnut fullstock of Pattern 1756/77 form with two (2), sharp, Board of Ordnance Acceptance marks and a correctly non-dated Storekeeper’s mark, on the right face of the grip, above the trigger-guard. Marked behind the sideplate with an “A” Stock-maker’s mark and additionally marked, in the ramrod channel with various Board Ordnance Crown inspectors’ marks. The lock of standard P. 1756/1777 design with a plain, flat lockplate, matching reinforced hammer, rounded bridle-less powder-pan and arrowhead finial frizzen-spring. The face of the lock crisply engraved with a sharply detailed Crown/”GR” Royal Cypher and marked with a Crown/Broad Arrow govt. ownership mark, beneath the powder-pan: the tail of lock clearly marked “TOWER”. Full regulation brass furniture: a screw-fastened, heavy, bulbous butt-cap with short side-terminals, the trigger-guard with a raised hazelnut forward finial, a single barrel-form ramrod pipe and the flat sideplate with both its sidebolts and a steel belt-hook. In overall excellent original flintlock condition with an excellent lock, barrel and stock. The iron surfaces of the barrel and mechanism with a smooth, lightly toned age-patina, very sharp markings, clear engraving and only lightest isolated patches of discoloration: virtually no pitting. Complete with its original lock components with clear markings and excellent mechanics with a strong mainspring. Very Fine+ stock with 95%+ finish, sharp contours, some minor handling marks/tight hairlines and excellent markings. The hardware, en suite with choice, smooth, brass surfaces and much finish. Original brass tipped wooden ramrod. Overall length 19 1/2″. A very scarce and extensively marked extremely well-preserved Revolutionary War Period English Pattern 1756/77 Naval/Sea Service Pistol, ca. 1777. In Exceptional Condition and of Museum quality: arguably one of the finest examples of this Model extant. For similar examples and additional information, please see G. C. Neumann’s: “Battle Weapons…”. & D. Bailey’s: “Pattern Dates…”, pg. 22, 29, 48 & 90.
Images and description courtesy of Paul’s Antique Arms & Armour at: http://www.ambroseantiques.com/fpistols.htm