A British privately made sea service pistol dating to the Napoleonic Wars and War of 1812. Makers of boarding pistols supplied not only the British navy, but supplied pistols privately to officers and a very large number of privateers, private military vessels of the East India Company, merchant vessels, and others. The pistol was short range and single shot, of course, but of immense use in boarding actions, where the fighting was close and hand to hand, and a pistol could even make an effective club or thrown missile once discharged. This pistol follows the general lines of the regulation 1801 pattern sea service pistol, but has a barrel of dragoon length, measuring 9 inches. There is no maker’s mark on the lockplate, which has the correct two-screw lock and reinforced cock, and bears an engraved crown and “GR” forward of the hammer, and engraved border lines. The left breech of barrel is correctly stamped with the private Tower proof marks: twice with [Crown] over crossed scepters. The belt hook is in place on the left, bearing a small crown on the extension. The barrel length is likely an intentional variation by the maker for the commercial market or a period alteration. Sea service pistols were often shortened later, but this usually involved installation of a metal ramrod, shorter thimble, rear entry pipe, etc. The metal is very good, showing a smooth silvery gray with only some miniscule pinpricks at the breech and tang. The lock has darker gray tones, but no pitting. The touch hole is not burnt out. The mechanics are good. The wood has handling dings and small divots, and some minor chipping at the foot of the breechplug tang, which is not unusual or unexpected in a pistol that has been fired. The color is good: a warm brown. The raised apron at the breech has good edges. A fouled anchor in white metal has been tacked to the upper wrist behind the breechplug tang. This is probably a later decorative addition by a collector, but it displays well.

The brass mounts were polished at some point, but are beginning to tone down. Interestingly, the sideplate bears a letter and number under the belt hook and the buttcap has a small “11.” More prominently stamped is “GD 14P,” which is likely a shipboard station number indicating, “Gun Deck,” Pistol number “14;” “Port side.” This would place it squarely aboard a warship.  [sr]

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