This pistol is a standard Long Sea Service pistol from the early 1800s. Its barrel is inscribed "HMS BELLEISLE" on top of the midsection. The HMS Belleisle was originally a French 74-gun third rate ship of the line and was captured by the British in 1795. The name was actually a misnomer as the ship was captured off of Ile de Groix during the Battle of Groix not off Belle Ile. The ship was the second in line during the historic Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 and was captained by William Hargood. It was the only British vessel completely dismasted during the battle after coming under fire from seven of the French and Spanish ships but was rescued by the Royal Navy and repaired and returned to service until 1814.