[chrisH]

I have a Ketland flintlock pistol. I have been able to find out that the 2 crossed scepters indicate it is pre 1804, and that it has not been converted to percussion. I have not been able to find out what H Y C No 46 on the barrel stands for, or whose initials are inside the lock. It show clearly an IG stamped with an either oW or BW scratched in. There is also the name Newton on the S side plate. Beyond that there is an rTH on the underside of the gun barrel. Can anyone help me with the marks? There is one other mark that looks like a shield with something in the middle but I have not taken it apart again to try and clean it up more to look. Thanks for any help
Chris

 

[chrisH]

Here are a few more pictures. Sorry they are so big. Not sure how to make them smaller.

 

[chrisH]

No one knows anything about these marks?

 

[Mach2]

Chris maybe you can get some better help in a dedicated flinter forum. I couldn't even venture a gues despite the excellent photos.

 

[rhmc24]

Your pistol is a 'light dragoon' type of ca, 1780s but made probably for a trading company or to outfit an expedition. It is not a military piece in the sense of English gov't issue but a copy of the typical light dragoon pistol of the period. They were made by various contractors and, while very similar, are seen with variations in ramrod pipe dimensions & placement. The treatment of the shape of the wood at the muzzle is another variable. Some with a belt hook. A source of info is Brooker's, British Military Pistols 1603-1888.

I have had a number of Ketland and other pistols of the period and have mused over their markings without ever ID-ing any, considering it a lost cause & useless knowledge, should I learn it. In your case the HYC No 46 might be possible to ID by digigent research, which might also shed light on the Newton mark.

Your gun fortunately seems to have escaped the usual bubba effort to clean or repair it. As a restorer the past 50 years, I see the gun as one I would reclaim. The replaceable frizzen spring, broken main spring repairable as well as wood defects. I don't restore old guns to 'like new' condition, but to workable condition as in when last used.

Value as-is $400 mainly for its parts. Cost to restore $1200-1500 giving a final value near that figure - hardly cost-effective.

Hope that helps.

 

[Mach2]

http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/english-tower-sea-service-flintlock-pistol-1

Newton of Grantham- was the gunsmith. There is a photo with a flinter that is extremely similar to yours.

 

[kasper]

light dragoons of birmingham england.

 

[chrisH]

THanks, i'll keep investigating