Tower side lock for sea service pistol, British (1849)

Title	Tower side lock for sea service pistol
Nationality	British
Period	1849

Sold

MAGNIFY

This is marked 'Lacy & Co' and dated 1849. This firm would have made up these locks for the sea service pistol, the whole piece being assembled at the Tower. The pistol was the penultimate muzzle loader of the Victorian era, for sea service at any rate, only partially superseded by the Colt navy revolver in 1854.

The sea service pistol in question had a 6" barrel and a belt clip, along with a captive ramrod. The bore was .567".

Lacy & Witton, also known as Lacy & Co, were contractors to Ordnance 1832. Their successors Lacy & Reynolds were contractors to Ordnance 1835-48. The 1849 date would have been put on at the Tower, along with the VR and the crown. There is another mark next to 'Lacy & Co' on the rear of the lock - 'Erith' - which could be the factory location.

This lock (nearly 11.5cm long) has its original side nail (not illustrated). Its condition is excellent throughout.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.

[Firearms : Percussion Pistols : British : 19th Century]

online museum

account

testimonials