Pistol butt cap engraved characters ID req’d, please.

[Bernie1]

Hi,

With reference to the attached picture, can anyone tell me what they mean?

They are on the butt cap of a New Land Pattern pistol.

Many thanks in advance!

Bernie

[peter monahan]

Guessing, but the '50' is most probably a 'rack number' - the individual identification number specific to this pistol.  The link below is to a New Land with a '57' on the butt plate just below '2 Husar R', which clearly a rack number.

The 'I' at the top may be a '1' and indicate troop or squadron, perhaps.

Are the letters/symbols at the 9:00 and 3:00 positions 'G' and 'W'?  

https://www.gunsinternational.com/guns-for-sale-online/pistols/antique-pistols---percussion/british-antique-new-land-pattern-pistol.cfm?gun_id=101167770

 

Edited May 21, 2019 by peter monahan

[Bernie1]

Hi Peter,

Thanks for your reply!

Yes G is at 09.00 and the W is at 03.00.

Regs

Bernie

 

[peter monahan]

Bernie

There is just enough glare off the photo that I wasn't sure of the 'W' [old eyes].  Sadly, that doesn't get us an forrader!  Can't think of any likely regimental title in English which would contain two words beginning with G and W.

 

[Bernie1]

Hi Peter,

Thanks again!

I wonder if it’s relevant that it’s a lower case ‘g’ also the g and 50 seem to have been engraved, whereas the W (if it is a W?) and the 1 have been struck by a chisel?

Another relevant point might be is that this pistol has been converted to percussion.

Regs

 

 

[peter monahan]

The conversion is important, as it implies a lengthy period of service.  On later firearms - late 19th, 20th century, it is not uncommon to find anywhere up to a half dozen marks or sets of marks, resulting from the same weapon having been issued to multiple owners in multiple units.  So, for example, a Victorian era carbine might have multiple marks and rack numbers indicating the times it had been issued to and inspected for a line regiment, plus  marks showing service with militia or cadet units.

A long answer to a short question!  Yes, the marks may have been put on the piece at different times.