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Pr British Pattern 1756/77 Long Sea Service Flintlock Pistols

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:5,000.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Pr British Pattern 1756/77 Long Sea Service Flintlock Pistols
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Matched Pair of Late 18th Century British Pattern 1756/77 Long Sea Service Flintlock Pistols, NVSN, .57 smoothbore cal., 12'' round barrels with turned rings and two deeply struck proofmarks at breech, no sights; steel lockplates pointed at the rear with ''(large crown)/GR'' and ''(broad arrow)'' ahead of cock and ''Tower'' in a vertical curve behind; brass furniture including serpentine sideplates opposite locks, triggerguards having crown-like front finials, buttcaps and single ramrod thimbles. Walnut fullstocks with raised oval aprons surrounding barrel tangs, raised carved finials at rear of lockplates and to rear of sideplates; one with ''I G'' and ''(crown)/P'' stamped in the wood behind sideplate and ''(broad arrow)/B O (faint)'' on tang apron, the other with ''P R'' and ''(crown)/P'' behind sideplate and possibly ''(broad arrow)/B O'' on tang apron, now nearly obliterated. Stocks have additional ''(broad arrow)'' stampings in various locations. Both pistols have long iron belt hooks with ''(crown)/P'' proofmarks, mounted to their sideplates. Pistols appear to be in original flintlock configuration, their touchhole areas having been polished when barrels were re-browned. Condition to both is very good to fine for their age and type, the barrels having been cleaned and re-browned at one point, the iron surfaces otherwise having a smooth brown patina; brass parts are bright. Screw head slots are straight and unmarred; one frizzen spring may be a replacement; brass-tipped hardwood ramrods may be original. Stocks are sound and fine with clear markings, moderate age dings from their period of service, pleasing color and a coat of later varnish. The action of one pistol is smooth and tight; the other does not hold at cock; bores appear very good. Large, partitioned walnut case is of modern make, containing a reproduction copper and brass powder flask, reproduction brass single-cavity bullet mold, quantity of cast lead balls, and working key, all in very good condition. The British Royal Navy used these Sea Service Pattern pistols around the world, beginning in the middle-18th Century and extending into the early 19th Century. They saw service during turbulent times within the British Empire, including the French & Indian War, the American Revolution and the War of 1812. Est.: $5,000-$7,500/pair. (Antique)(Joe Poyer collection)