Sea service pistol

Percussion pistol. The stock is fully stocked in what appears to be walnut. There is a brass plate at the fore-end, a brass trigger guard, buttcap and single ramrod pipe. The stock is symmetrically shaped on each side. An iron ramrod is fitted to the swivel stirrup below the muzzle. The lock is a percussion sidelock, presumably a conversion. The hammer is relieved at the front and its spur is broken off. A safety bolt (possibly of the 1828 pattern) is fitted behind the hammer's pivot screw. The barrel is of circular section, smoothbore, orignally browned but only traces remain. It's Calibre is 0.65in. Inscribed on the barrel are three Enfield view and proof marks. Inscribed on the lock is a 'Crown Motif' over 'WR', a 'Crown Motif' over an arrow (Enfield) and 'ENFIELD' at the back. On the stock there is a Board of Ordnance mark (top rear of lock) and a fleur de lys near side. Nail mark(?) over 'MA' over '1118'. The identification, dates and assumption that this is a conversion lock are provisional. It seems likely that this pistol was made/converted towards the end of William IV's reign. The bore of the standard sea service pistol was 0.567in. - less than here. There is no belt hook nor was one ever fitted. It is possible it was issued to the Coastguard.

Object Details

ID: AAA2402
Collection: Weapons
Type: Sea service pistol
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Royal Small Arms Factory
Date made: 1832-1837
People: Coastguard and Preventive Service
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Overall: 150 x 360 x 50 mm