Guns
French & Indian War to American Revolution Use British Military Heavy Dragoon Type Flintlock Pistol, R WATKIN LONDON
c. 1730-1760 French & Indian War to American Revolutionary War Period British Military Style Heavy Dragoon Merchant Marine, Militia or Volunteer Unit Flintlock Pistol, R WATKIN, LONDON, Fine.
This British Military Style Heavy Dragoon Flintlock Pistol is 19.5" in overall length. It has a 12", .66 caliber (carbine bore) round steel barrel with 2 London private proofs, and an unidentified mark (most likely the barrel makers mark). This Pistol is in its original flintlock configuration. The lock is maker mark signed, "R WATKIN". Its Brass furniture almost identical to the standard British military Pattern 1730/1738 Land Service Pistol (excluding the butt cap) and retains the original steel belt hook. There are varying opinions on exactly when these pistols were produced and for what purpose. Our opinion is that the overall form reflects all the traits of being made for military purposes. We concur with Robert Brooker that these pistols were made for Militia or Volunteer units or for the Merchant Marine. It is very possible that the maker "R Watkin" produced these pistols in hopes of a formal contract and government ordnance purchase, that never materialized. There were many makers of these arms remarkably copied like the ordnance approved as military patterns and produced to supply all the other needs outside the primary military. This pistol appears to be one of them. The stock has numerous scattered old tiny wood worm holes throughout, but the wood is stable and solid with some typical scratches and dings from years of handling and service. Its wood ram rod with brass tip may be the original. All steel surfaces exhibit a dark rich age patina. A large impressive looking holster or belt early flintlock pistol that is in good mechanical working order.
Ref. p. 80. British Military Pistols and Associated Edged Weapons 1603-1887. By, Robert Brooker, c. 2016.