May 17, 2022 Early Arms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/17/2022
It is well-known that the Pattern 1738 British Dragoon pistols were used in America during the Revolutionary War, many by Loyalist cavalry units in the southern campaigns. This example turned up in Montreal about 40 years ago. On page 62 of "British Ordnance Small Arms 1718-1783 by de Witt Bailey, he says "Some of these may have been fitted with Sea Service belt hooks and used for Southern provincial mounted militia from 1780". On page 91 in figure 60 of "British Military Pistols and Associated Edged Weapons" by Robert Brooker, he says shows an identical pistol in the Fort Ticonderoga Museum. The pistol there has a similar, but slightly different sides plate. The round barrel is stamped on top with Tower view and proof marks as well as a makers mark on the left side. Barrel tang stamped with a crossed scepter proof and an inspector's crown. The convex banana lockplate is engraved "WILLETS / 1745" on the tail and engraved with large crown over "GR" in the center. There is a crown over a broad arrow stamped below the pan, denoting British government ownership. Standard brass Pattern 1738 furniture with the exception of the sideplate, which is the pistol's original sideplate. The contour is the same as the standard pistols, but the sideplate is flat, rather than convex and it has a hole towards the back for a belt hook. It is marked inside with "IV" British assembly marks. Walnut stock with relief carved shaped panels around lock, sideplate, and barrel tang. Clearly stamped on top of wrist on right side with intertwined "GR" storekeeper's stamp. CONDITION: Very good overall, uncleaned and untouched. Barrel retains a brown patina and markings are excellent. Lock retains a light brown patina. Markings are excellent, lock is in its original flintlock configuration and functions well. Brass retains a dark mustard patina. Stock shows scattered minor cracks and marks from use, retains much original finish. Wooden ramrod appears to be a period replacement. A very nice period-altered example of this attractive early pattern. DMG
Caliber/Bore
.58 Smoothbore
Model
Pattern 1738 Dragoon