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 often see these with various different markings on the lock plate or barrel, indicating where they were used. One of these would be "CROWN over DN", indicating "Delft Nederlandse", indicating it was processed at arsenal in the Netherlands before being dispersed into service. However, there are no markings on the exterior that can be seen. We did check UNDER the barrel, and it is marked with an E / L G / * in an Oval proof, indicating manufacture in Liège, Belgium. It looks like other markings may have been removed due to cleaning, or to "scrub" the origin long ago.

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 0.69", unmarked except for proofs on the underside. 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 light brown color to the stock, which also shows a good amount of "flame" figuring, making it quite attractive. The lock action is solid and functional, however it does not hold at half cock due to tumbler wear.

A great European Naval flintlock pistol, fully cleaned and ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1815
Caliber: .69" 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.