I recently purchased this flintlock with some curious markings that I'd like help in identifying. The seller did not know the particular model of pistol, but from the winged buttcap, full brass side plate, and shell carving at the rear of the tang & barrel length (10"), I've been able to compare this pistol to internet listings for 1760/78 pattern Light Dragoon pistols. The barrel diameter measures 0.656"
It is Tower stamped with a 1786 storekeeper's stamp (though I've read that does not necessarily indicate the date of manufacture)
The proof marks on the barrel are not very clear though it does have the stamp "P.T."
Does anyone know what this PT stamp may mean?
There are two stamps on the grip I can't identify, looks like a crown over either a 6 or 0
One of the most curious markings is the "130" engraved on the inlaid brass piece on the back of the grip. The seller speculated that this was a unit marking but the only contemporary unit I could find was the 130th Regiment of Foot, stood up in 1794 and disbanded in 1796. Why would a dragoon's pistol be issued to a foot regiment? An old, outdated model for 1794, at that.
All of the images I've seen online show the 1760/78 pistols with brass capped cleaning rods, although this one if full wood with no signs of brass fittings being removed.
There is also a hole in the lock plate where it looks like a pin or screw should go. The pistol appears to function without it, but does anyone know what that pin might be called and what purpose it serves?
Behind the brass sideplate there is a roman numeral VI stamp... does anyone know what this means?
Any help learning more about this pistol would be much appreciated!
It is Tower stamped with a 1786 storekeeper's stamp (though I've read that does not necessarily indicate the date of manufacture)
The proof marks on the barrel are not very clear though it does have the stamp "P.T."
Does anyone know what this PT stamp may mean?
There are two stamps on the grip I can't identify, looks like a crown over either a 6 or 0
One of the most curious markings is the "130" engraved on the inlaid brass piece on the back of the grip. The seller speculated that this was a unit marking but the only contemporary unit I could find was the 130th Regiment of Foot, stood up in 1794 and disbanded in 1796. Why would a dragoon's pistol be issued to a foot regiment? An old, outdated model for 1794, at that.
All of the images I've seen online show the 1760/78 pistols with brass capped cleaning rods, although this one if full wood with no signs of brass fittings being removed.
There is also a hole in the lock plate where it looks like a pin or screw should go. The pistol appears to function without it, but does anyone know what that pin might be called and what purpose it serves?
Behind the brass sideplate there is a roman numeral VI stamp... does anyone know what this means?
Any help learning more about this pistol would be much appreciated!
