This pistol is the same pattern shown on pages 45 and 88 of "Pattern Dates for British Ordnance Small Arms, 1718-1783" by De Witt Bailey. The distinctive side plate is secured by the two lock screws and a third screw ahead of the stepped tail. The Royal Foresters; carbines had similar side plates, and another distinguishing feature is the spade shaped carving at the barrel tang. The smoothbore barrel has the Ordnance/King's proofmarks on top and a "12" marking by the vent. The flat lock has beveled edges, double line borders, a "crown/broad arrow" marked below the bridled priming pan, Georgian cipher at the center, and "TOWER" vertically. The full-length stock has a plain forend tip and brass furniture, including a vacant escutcheon. The single ramrod pipe is flared, and faint marks are marked in the ramrod channel. The rod has a brass tip. Provenance: The Greg Lampe Collection

Very good with silver-gray and light brown patina along with some light oxidation and pitting on the lock and barrel, attractive aged patina on the furniture, a crack at the trigger guard screw, and mild overall wear. The stock is good with some thin cracks, a chip at the barrel tang, small chip by the trigger guard screw, and mild scratches and dings. Mechanically fine. This is a very attractive example of a very scarce model of British military pattern flintlock pistols!