Thoughts on a Dragoon

[drkarr]

Here is a Dragoon I have researched. I would appreciate everyone's input to see if I was researching in the correct direction.

 

[drkarr]

I am actually looking to see what country of origin this is from.

 

[DOUBLEDEUCE 1]

Interesting pistol. :thumbsup: Are there any marks on the face of the lock plate?

 

[FishDFly]

I thought Colt made Dragoons??

Funny looking revolver is it not?

 

[cynthialee]

There are a number of different guns over the centuries that have had the "Dragoon' designation.
A Dragoon is a heavy pistol issued to cavalry units.

 

[M. De Land]

They also were a complement of horse mounted solders in the British Army that used this type of arm, I believe. Hence the name, I would guess. MD

 

[pargent]

Photos in focus of proofs and makers marks are a must. A guess so far 1740-1760 .

 

[Zonie]

Does anyone see a vent hole in the barrel?

My eyes must be getting fuzzy.

 

[pargent]

Yes it's there just blocked by corrosion

 

[drkarr]

On the barrel I found a date ending in XX22

I will recheck tomorrow for proof marks.

 

[bpd303]

Looks like a 1756 Land Service pistol (heavy dragoon). http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/LotDetailsPrintable.aspx?intObjectID=3103276

 

There are a number of different guns over the centuries that have had the "Dragoon' designation.
A Dragoon is a heavy pistol issued to cavalry units.

Actually "Dragoon" units were mounted infantry. Train to ride 'to' battle but fought on foot. Mobile but cheaper and easier to train than cavalry, who always fought on horseback.

 

[pargent]

:shake: Not English military issue.

 

[Heelerau]

I suspect, one of a pair of Gentlemans Holster pistols, carried in pommel holsters. Looks european, rather than English. Should repair nicely. How did you come across it?


Cheers

Heelerau

 

[Joel/Calgary]

Moderators:
Since this concerns an original/antique firelock, could this thread be moved back into the Firearms Research forum, where it originated? I would think there might be interest from more of the historically-oriented members there.

Regards,
Joel

 

[alex efremenko]

Clear,squarely taken pictures of thr triggerguard sideplate ,lock and butt cap would be of immense help.

 

[drkarr]

Hello everyone, thanks so much for the input. I have been incredible busy, sorry for the delay, here are some replays.

Bought the item at a gun show last year, caught my eye.

I will post better pictures on Monday when I am where the dragoon is at.

Yes, the post can be moved to where you feel it should be.

 

[drkarr]

Okay, here are some more picts, the markings are faint, took the best photos I could.

Maybe 1522 at the picture with the date?

Thanks everyone.

 

[rickystl]

Hi Karr. Thanks for the additional photos. That helps a bunch. If you get the chance, post a pic of the wrist/grip inlay.
My first thought, when I viewed the first photo, was a Belgium/Dutch horse pistol.
But with the additional photos, I'm going out on a limb and suggest this pistol was made in the Balkans, early to mid 19th Century. Here are some of my reasons for believing this:
1) Trigger Guard. Note the width of the guard is more narrow. As well, it appears that the guard is nailed to the stock vs the use of screws or pins as European pistols. Both very common features of Balkan made pistols of this era.
2) Frizzen screw. Note the screw is mounted from inside the lock vs outside. While not totally exclusive, the inside mounting is the most common encountered on Balkan made pistols.
3) Lock: While the lock itself looks OK, there seems just a bit of crudeness. Not quite up to European standards. While the frizzen is styled more European (and could be) (and the trigger itself for that matter)it looks like a more locally made lock.
The engraving on these Balkan made pistols was done in a generic fashion to appeal to a large variety of prospects. Anyway, that is my opinion for the moment. :haha: Different opinions here most welcome. Thanks for posting. Rick. :hatsoff:

 

[KABAR2]

The lock reminds me of some of the early Dutch locks the Cock looks later and a replacement look at it in the forward position the spring is almost at rest and the stop on the back of the cock is not resting on the top edge of the lock plate”¦.It almost looks like if the frizzen was not in the way and cock was fully down the spring might slip off tumbler... Also is the forearm from another pistol? It looks like it doesn’t quite fit where the crack is”¦.