Collectors of antiques dream of finding rare weapons that have been exceptionally well-cared for. This concept is perhaps best represented by the term "one owner car" in the antique vehicle market; which invokes an antique lovingly protected by a single, faithful custodian over generations.
While the age difference prevents a direct "one owner" parallel in the antique gun world—firearms are centuries older than classic cars—the underlying search for sentiment remains. Collectors of antique weapons often seek out guns that have been held in the same family for generations or in a singular collection for decades.
The reasons for this preference are simple. Antiques kept "off the market" for a significant portion of their existence are generally more original and better preserved than those passed through numerous hands - the more owners an antique has had, the more likely it is that at least some of the subsequent owners may have attempted some degree of ill-advised "restoration," such as refinishing or part replacement, in a misguided attempt to "improve" their investment. However, in reality, it is the guns that are "untouched" and in good honest condition that command premium prices.
It is for this reason, that we are proud to present the guns from our latest acquisition, which directly speaks to the collector's dream: this collection was amassed by a single family in the 1920s and 1930s and was immediately placed into a museum, where it remained until we acquired it late last year. For nearly a century, these guns have been off the open market and under the professional care of a museum. This means the vast majority of these weapons are untouched and completely original; while those do show evidence of repair work, having had this work completed during the late 19th and early 20th Centuries! These are authentic time capsules, which we have chosen to present complete with their original, neatly applied museum ID numbers as a testament to their history. (The numbers can be easily removed with acetone, leaving no damage, but we believe they enhance the story.)
This flintlock cavalry pistol was produced in the gunmaking center of Liege, Belgium between 1815 and 1835. These .65 caliber dragoon pistols were intended for the Belgian cavalry. They are robust and point very naturally. They also feature no ram rod; as Belgian cavalrymen utilized separate rammers that were attached to lanyards and worn about the neck. These pistols were also among the first foreign flintlocks to be imported to the United States as collector's items. Bannerman's surplus original advertised these pistols in their 1920's catalogs for the hefty sum of $30.00. By comparison, the average Civil War carbine sold for under $10.00
Additionally because they were so plentiful these Belgian Dragoon pistols were a favorite item among proper houses, and appeared in dozens of movies from 1940's through 1960's (despite often being slightly anachronistic for the time periods being portrayed). Among the notable actors who utilized the Belgian Dragoon pistol were Kirk Douglas who can be seen wearing a Belgian Dragoon pistol in his sash in the 1959 film The Devil's Disciple; and Peter Finch in 1960's Kidnapped.
This particular pistol is in excellent condition. It has a great patina; indicating that it was never refinished of buffed. The lock holds solid on both full and half cock, and the frizzen spring is nice and crisp.
The barrel features no import marks and the bore is good with minimal light pitting and no major rust.
The stock is very sound with no cracks or chips anywhere.
These pistols are a lot of fun to play with; and who knows? Perhaps it once starred in one of Disney's pirate epics!
