What is an antique horse pistol?

An antique horse pistol is a large, muzzle-loading firearm specifically built to be carried on horseback by cavalry troopers, officers, and travellers. These weapons date primarily from the seventeenth to the nineteenth centuries and feature robust stocks designed to withstand mounted use.

How do I tell flintlock from percussion?

A flintlock uses a piece of flint held in a cock to strike a steel frizzen and generate sparks for ignition. A percussion pistol uses a hammer that falls onto a small percussion cap, which is a simpler and more weather-resistant system introduced later.

Were these pistols used by the military?

Many examples on this page are military service arms produced for the Board of Ordnance and stamped by the Tower Armoury. Others are private purchase pieces belonging to officers or gentlemen, alongside foreign military arms from Ottoman and European sources.

How should I display or store one?

Store your pistol in a stable environment away from dampness and direct sunlight to protect the walnut stock and steel components. Display cases or wall mounts should support the weight securely without putting pressure on the lock mechanism or barrel pins.

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Antique Horse Pistol

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An antique horse pistol is a heavy firearm carried on horseback, prized by collectors for its robust mechanism and historical connection to cavalry service.