May 18, 2021 Early Arms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/18/2021
This example is the only known surviving Hessian pistol baring the monogram of Wilhelm Landgrave VIII, who lived between 1682-1760. He ruled between 1730-1760, was a reagent between 1730-1751, and was landgrave between 1751-1760. There are three known Jaeger rifles bearing Landgrave cyphers. One is in the West Point Museum and the other two are in private collections. These rifles were made by the Pistor family of gunsmiths. These pistols would have been issued to the mounted Jaeger troops that came into West Chester County, New York in September of 1778 and fought in the Battle of Edgar's Lane, where they were defeated by Light Horse Harry Lee. 25 of these mounted Jaegers were killed at Dobb's Ferry. The pistol itself is massive, with an overall length of 21". The round .69 smoothbore barrel measures 13 5/8" in length, with a brass half-moon front sight. On top, toward the breech, is a large engraved intertwined "WL" monogram, signifying ownership by Wilhelm Landgrave of Hesse Province in Cassel, Germany. The early flat banana lockplate only shows one screw behind the cock and has an early faceted unbridled pan. The tail is once again engraved with the "WL" monogram. The pistol features brass military mounts. The sideplate is very reminiscent of the sideplates on the known Revolutionary War and earlier military Jaeger rifles and muskets, bearing Hessian Landgrave monogrammed initials. The sideplate has the early feature of a third screw on the tail at the rear to retain the sideplate when the lock is pulled. The full stirrup pommel cap is faceted, as is the trigger guard, which terminates in an arrow finial on both tangs. The forend has a brass nose band towards the muzzle. The walnut stock shows early German form, and has heavy relief carved tear drops around the barrel tang, lock cavity and sideplate. There is also a relief molding around the ramrod channel. Complete with its original wooden ramrod with brass tip. CONDITION: Completely dry and untouched, in as found attic condition. The barrel retains a dark heavy patina, with scattered marks from use. Monogram is excellent. Lock retains a matching dark patina, with crisp monogram. Lock is in its original flintlock configuration, and functions properly. Brass retains a dark mustard patina, and is unpolished. Stock shows scattered marks from use, along with some wear and bruising along the forend. There is a small crack stemming from the rear lock retaining screw, and a small sliver missing above the lockplate. This is a rare opportunity to own an import and historic, Revolutionary War Hessian military pistol, which is the only example known to exist. PROVENANCE: Ex. Robert Brooker Jr. Collection, Author of "British Military Pistols". DMG
Caliber/Bore
.72 Smoothbore
Model
Flintlock Dragoon Pistol