Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria has dated this piece to the 19th Century.
The pistol has a large single-shot muzzle-loading barrel with worn Birmingham proof marks, a substantial percussion lock bearing a crown and 'Tower' marking, and a walnut full stock with rounded cavalry-style grip and brass furniture, including trigger guard and butt cap.
The Tower marking should not, however, be taken by itself as proof of official British Government issue, as commercially produced pistols of military pattern were also made with Tower-style markings.
Crown engraving with the letters "GR" (for King George III) or "WR" (for King William IV), alongside the word "TOWER" stamped near the back end. Purpose-Built Commercial or Militia Pistol (Circa 1840s–1850s)
During the mid-19th century, private gunmakers across Birmingham and London built firearms for local volunteer militias, commercial trade, and export to colonies.
Many of these civilian gunsmiths purposefully styled their weapons after the famous military New Land Pattern.
They frequently stamped "TOWER" and a Crown on the lock plate. They did this because the "Tower" name was highly trusted, widely recognized, and implied the weapon was built to reliable British military standards.
Because these were built fresh in the 1840s or 1850s, they natively integrated the drum-and-nipple percussion design without needing any leftover holes filled from old flintlock components. The "11" Stamp: This is a standard gauge / bore measurement marking common to 19th-century British gunmaking, indicating the bore size based on the lead ball weight system (equivalent to a massive, hard-hitting .75 or .76 caliber musket-bore size).
The metalwork retains a pleasing aged patina with areas of surface wear and oxidation commensurate with age. The stock has numerous dents, handling marks and areas of wear, but retains good overall form and colour. The ramrod probably not original.
An attractive and substantial example of a British percussion horse pistol, suitable for a collection or as a period display piece.
Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria has dated this piece to the 19th Century.
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Mid-19th Century British Tower Percussion Cavalry Horse Pistol, Birmingham Proofs & Lock Bearing a Crown and 'Tower' Marking.
