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Antique British Lg. Bore East India Pat. FL Pistol

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:450.00 USD
Antique British Lg. Bore East India Pat. FL Pistol
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Antique British Large Bore ''East India Pattern'' Flintlock Pistol, NVSN, .75 cal., 9'' barrel without sights has 2 cannon turned rings, ''(crown)/GR/Broad Arrow'', ''(crown)/crossed swords'' and ''(crown)/17'' (indistinct) proofmarks and a deeply struck ''3'' at breech; beveled-edge lockplate with a distinct long pointed teat is marked ''REA'' under flint pan and ''1802/4/EIC'' (East India Company) within a heart-shaped cartouche vertically behind the gracefully-shaped flint cock; early-style trigger with curved tail; brass furniture including serpentine sideplate, triggerguard with long rear tang, buttcap, and single retaining thimble for the brass-tipped hardwood ramrod. Varnished European hardwood fullstock has raised carved aprons on either side of lock and atop the wrist, and three barrel retaining pins. Appears to be in original flintlock configuration with all original parts; touchhole may have been welded and re-drilled long ago. Condition is very good, the iron surfaces with a mostly smooth age-brown patina and the brass cleaned to bright. Stock is smooth and solid, showing the expected marks of age and use, losses including where ramrod enters stock, a wood patch on both sides ahead of 2nd barrel pin, and a likely later coat of varnish. Action is strong and sure; smoothbore is clean. A classic example of a pistol made for the ''Honourable East India Company,'' which received its Royal Charter from Queen Elizabeth I in 1600. At the time of this pistol's mfg. in 1802, during the height of its rule in India, the British East India Co. had a private army of about 260,000 men, twice the size of the entire British Army. Est.: $900-$1,200. (Antique)