Original Item: Only One Available. Originally developed around 1715, the British Sea Service pistol remained in use until the end of the Napoleonic Wars in 1815. They are typically equipped with a 12" iron barrel, full wood stock and brass furniture. The Butt Caps have short "ears" but not "long spurs" The lock plates were flat, not rounded and up until 1762 were marked with a maker’s name and date. On the left side there is usually a long belt hook, as holsters were not practical at sea. They are rare and sought after, in any condition.

This very nice example is marked on the lock plate tail with EDGE over a date of 1758. We have found a few references to gunmakers with the last name Edge, and we had a very similar pistol available previously, but unfortunately nothing definitive, so we leave this as a great research opportunity. Also of interest is that while this pistol conforms very well to the Sea Service Pistol pattern, it looks to have never been fitted with a belt hook.

As an officially issued arm it is marked with CROWN over G.R., the royal cypher of King George II, who reigned 1727 - 1760. Under the pan is the correct CROWN / BROAD ARROW "Lock Viewer's" mark. There is only a single screw behind the cock, as the revised sear spring design requiring two was not widely introduced until 1762. The lock does not have the frizzen support "bridle" extending from the pan. The barrel is also marked CROWN / GR / BROAD ARROW along the CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS marking, indicating Pre-1813 military inspection at the Ordnance Proof house on Tower Wharf close to the Tower of London.

The pistol has a 12" .56" bore barrel, a brass tipped wooden ramrod. Correct to the pattern it features all brass furniture, and measures about 19 1/4 inches in overall length, with the correct short "ears" on the butt plate. The lock functions well, holding properly at half cock and firing at full. The stock is in lovely condition, showing no major damage, just some old repaired cracks, expected on a pistol of this age.

In lovely matured condition never messed with, a very fine example, ready to be
Displayed!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: 1758
Caliber: .56" Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 12 inches
Overall Length: 19 inches
Action: Flintlock Side Action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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