Original Item: One of a Kind. Belgium as we know it today was only established in 1830, when the population rebelled against Dutch rule. Prior to that, most of the country had been known as Flanders and other local areas, which were possessions of Spain, France and Holland over the prior several hundreds of years. Belgium would become an Industrial powerhouse, with its great capacity coming from the City of Liège, where gun making was a key industry. They would end up supplying Military Weapons all over Europe, especially after 1832 once it had established its own government.

This specific type of Naval or Sea Service Flintlock Pistol was manufactured in Belgium, which was under Napoleon Bonaparte's control until 1814. Most that we have seen were issued to the Dutch / Batavian Navy, which was part of Napoleon's forces, however production continued after the battle of Waterloo in 1815 and into the 1830's.

We have previously had an example with Ottoman empire markings, however this example, made right around the time of the Battle of Waterloo, bears German Proof marks on the breech end of the barrel. There are several CROWN / U and CROWN / R proof marks, along with a date of 15, for 1815. We can also see that there used to be a proof mark on the lock plate, which possibly originally was "CROWN over DN", indicating "Delft Nederlandse", indicating it was processed at arsenal in the Netherlands before being dispersed into service. Was this pistol originally made for one of the German States, or was it made for the Dutch / Batavian Navy and then captured and remarked? Definitely some great research potential here!

There is no provision for ramrod, the mounts are all of brass and the grade of manufacture is really quite high. Probably one of the most encountered original flintlock martial pistols from Europe encountered to day. The pistol is fitted with a 9" barrel that has a bore of about 0.676", showing the previously mentioned proof marks on the top. Its overall length is about 15 1/2" and it has a large lanyard ring on the bottom of the brass mounted butt cap. All the mounts are brass and the overall condition is really nice.

The stock does show wear overall from service, with small scratches and dents, but there are no major cracks or other damage that we can see. It has a lovely honey color to the stock, and does look to have been varnished at some point in the past. The lock is fully functional with a tight action, and holds correctly at half cock, firing only at full.

A great European Naval flintlock pistol with German Proof Marks, fully cleaned and ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: 1815
Caliber: .676" Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 9 Inches
Overall Length: 15 1/2 Inches
Action: Flintlock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.