Original Item: Only one available. This is a very nice example of the scarce British Pattern 1939 Sea Service pistol, originally intended for use by Coast Guard forces. First formed in 1822, the British Coast Guard at that time was primarily responsible for ensuring that ship traffic did not evade customs, ensuring that items were properly accounted for and duties collected. However, while technically working for Customs, the Coast Guard was organized and outfitted by the British Royal Navy. As such, their weapons were similar or identical to those used by the Navy.

In 1839, new pistols were patterned for both the Coast Guard and Royal Navy, which were mostly identical in form. They had the same lock, stock, captured ramrod, and flat butt plate. The Coast Guard pistol was developed first, with a 15 Bore (.67 caliber) round barrel, and a sling swivel or lanyard loop mounted to the butt, so that the pistol would not be lost. These often had earlier configuration lock plates, with a rear bolt safety for the hammer. The Naval pistol was then released in a smaller 26 Bore (.57 caliber), without the lanyard loop, and instead had the typical belt hook seen for years on Naval Pistols. Only the very early examples had lock plates with safeties.

This Tower-marked example looks to be the Royal Navy version, in the smaller 26 bore Navy Caliber and fitted with a steel belt hook on the left side of the stock. It has the later pattern lock plate with no safety, however it does have a lanyard loop installed in the butt plate, which is usually only seen on the Coast Guard version. It is definitely a quite nice example, with a lovely finish on the wood and a great patina.

The lock is totally correct for the Pattern 1839, relatively small with a bevel on the tail. It bears the correct CROWN / VR Royal Cypher, indicating military issue during the reign of Queen Victoria. On the tail it is marked with TOWER, indicating acceptance at the Tower armory in London. It also has a "lock viewer" mark under the cap bolster. It functions correctly, holding at half cock, and firing at full. The barrel looks to be of spiral forged steel, and is marked with CROWN / VR as well as CROWN / 5 and other markings.

The top of the barrel however bears the most interesting marking on the pistol:

HER MAJESTY'S WATCH VESSEL KANGAROO

This indicates Coast Guard use on a "Watch Vessel", which were out of service vessels that were moored / beached near sea walls to be used as accommodations for Coast Guards and their families. We have researched this vessel, and found that she was originally H.M. Sloop Kangaroo, an 843 ton Vessel. SHe arrived at Burnham-on-Crouch during 1870, to replace the brig Chanticleer, which had previously been used for the same purpose. The Kangaroo stayed there until the 1890s, when proper shore accommodations had been constructed. For more information please see this lovely website, complete with pictures: HMWV Kangaroo.

There is another marking of interest on the trigger guard, which reads LD14664, which is very interesting indeed. This looks to be an Irish Government marking, required by the Irish registration Act of 1843. Weapons all had to be taken to the local constabulary and registered, and were marked with two letters for the district / county, followed by a number. "LD" is the code for Longford county in central Ireland. This was realized to be mostly a waste of time and lasted only until August 1846. If this in fact such a marking, this pistol looks to have led a VERY interesting life!

Condition overall is very good, with a lovely worn look to the brass fittings, and a nice oxidized patina on the other metalwork. The swivel ramrod is in good shape and still functions well. There are no major cracks or other issues that we can see with the stock.

A very nice example of a scarce British Maritime pistol with some very interesting markings, ready to research further and display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1850
Caliber:  .57" pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 6 inches
Overall Length: 11 1/2 inches
Action: Percussion lock side action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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