VERY NICE KETLAND PERCUSSION TRADE PISTOL

$895.00 ON HOLD

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 490-3446

This lovely single shot pistol features a tapering round 7 7/8″ brass barrel of approx. .60 caliber with top flat at breech, marked “LONDON” and stamped with Birmingham private view and proof marks (which resemble the true London proof house marks). A steel barrel tang with feather mark is noted, which is often associated with pieces intended for trade with the Native American tribes.

A flat lock plate with a strong line border marked “KETLAND/&Co” was converted from flintlock using a drum style alteration as shown.  The mechanics are strong with tight locking of the hammer in both the half and full position.  Trigger actuates the hammer as designed with a light pull, while the nipple is in great condition and the altered vent is clear.  The bore is a bit dull, but in a very nice condition.

The walnut stock with decorative brass mounts includes an ornate trigger guard, butt cap, vacant oval escutcheon, and openwork side plate. The wood shows age and use with a pleasing, understated patina and all brass furnishings shine with a bright but mellow hue. Overall length is 13 3/8″.  The original wooden ramrod still features the original finish and sports an attractive spiraled staining pattern.


While based in Birmingham, England, Ketland maintained offices in London and Philadelphia, though never manufactured guns in either location. As far as is known, all their guns were manufactured in Birmingham and the vast majority were made for export, primarily to the United States as a functional and utilitarian gun for trade and civilian use. Thomas Ketland Jr. is believed to have been the one who set up the Philadelphia office around 1790. Interestingly, he married Elizabeth Meade of Philadelphia in 1790 and later became the uncle of US General George Gordon Meade, the great victor of the Battle of Gettysburg and commander of the Army of the Potomac for the remainder of the war thereafter.

Remaining in Philadelphia throughout the War of 1812, he returned to England after the war and apparently took up the management of the Birmingham operations. The business was officially declared bankrupt in 1821 and production of these pistols and associated rifles ceased.

This example is rare among early American weaponry, and should appeal broadly to the collector of antebellum, post-Revolution, and frontier history.  A very attractive pistol, it would display beautifully.  [cm] [ph:cm/L]

DISCLAIMER: All firearms are sold as collector's items only - we do not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any antique firearm. All firearms are described as accurately as possible, given the restraints of a catalog listing length. We want satisfied customers & often "under" describe the weapons. Any city or state regulations regarding owning antique firearms are the responsibility of the purchaser. All firearms are "mechanically perfect" unless noted, but again, are NOT warranted as safe to fire!

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