Pair of Brass Barrel Flintlock Canadian Militia Style Pistols by W. Ketland & Co.

.63 caliber. 7.875" pinned brass barrels. NSN. Bright finish, brass furniture, hardwood stocks. Single shot smootbore flintlock pistols. 4.5" flat locks in original flint and marked under the pans W./KETLAND/&Co. Locks with rounded and fenced, unbridled steel pans and flat faceted swan neck cocks. Locks and cocks with simple boarder line engraving. Breeches with post-1813 Birmingham proof marks and nocksforms marked LONDON. Flat New Land style sideplates, rudimentary brass butt caps, simple trade grade triggerguards, two ramrod pipes secure wooden ramrods with steel wipers at the ends, one with a brass disc tip. The overall form is very similar to the inexpensive Canadian Militia Pistols contracted for by the Board of Ordnance circa 1810-1815, with the exception of these having brass barrels. While very similar they are not an identical pair but more likely a mated pair. These pistols would have been equally at home in the pommel holsters of a militia cavalryman, an officer of lesser means or being used as items of trade. William Ketland established himself in the Birmingham gun trade in 1802 and worked as W. Ketland & Co circa 1808 to 1831.

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

Very good. Bores moderately oxidized and discolored. Brass with a dark mustard patina, steel with a mottled and oxidized gray appearance. Markings remain legible. Mechanically functional locks, although the combs of both cocks are broken off leaving minimal rotational support for the top jaws. One frizzen spring is likely a period of use replacement. Wood with moderate wear, including bumps, dings and scuffs. One stock has a small area of filler forward of the triggerguard, below the front edge of the lock.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

Arms, Armor and Militaria

Pair of Brass Barrel Flintlock Canadian Militia Style Pistols by W. Ketland & Co.

Lot Description

Condition Report

Preview

Auction Contact

Shipping | Pickup