Napoleonic Pistol Help

[Bear]

Hello,

I've been trying to find out what type of pistol I have from the Napoleonic Period. I searched all the replica stores and had no luck, but then I found a website with a replica British sea service pistol. Is it a match or just not enough information.

Here is the website: http://www.militaryheritage.com/pistol1.htm

thanks,

barry

[Bear]

Inscription on pistol: This pistol found on the Battlefield of Waterloo May 14, 1816 by Mr. R Hillyer of London.

Why is a sea service pistol at Waterloo?

Edited February 3, 2007 by Bear

[peter monahan]

Inscription on pistol: This pistol found on the Battlefield of Waterloo May 14, 1816 by Mr. R Hillyer of London.

Why is a sea service pistol at Waterloo?

Peter Twist, owner of the Distinguisehd General (and a neighbour of mine) sells Sea Service models because our naval re-enactors are the only ones who can reasonably carry a pistol on the field (we have very very few cavalry).

However, the "land use" pistols of the period would be virtually identical, at least in such details as butt shape, lock plates, etc. But, on careful looking at the bit you have, I doubt it's British because there is no inletting around the Bolt hole for the brass plate which connected the two lock bolts and strenghtened the butt.

Look at "Image 1" of the "other Images" on the site you mention above. You can see the brass inlay there, which is standard on most British arms and which would leave an inletted space at the "7 o'clock" position from the bolt hole on your remnant. Most pistols were very similar, at least military ones, so you need to look for a model (French? Gernan?) which simply has two holes for the lock bolts with no other fittings or inletting on that side of the stock.

My tuppence worth!

Peter

Peter

Edited February 3, 2007 by peter monahan

[peter monahan]

Have you got a shot of the other side of it, Bear?

[Bear]

Thanks Peter

I'll keep looking...

thanks again,

barry

[Greg]

My prized possession (firearm-wise) is a 1784 Dutch East India Company Sea Service flintlock pistol. Here she is. Can't be fired because the metal has crystalised due to age.