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Historical reproductions

1759 British Light Dragoon Pistol

The British Light Dragoon, or Elliot, pattern reproduced with its curved grip and 9-inch barrel.

Supplied in a non-firing state.

Technical details Specifications & construction

This pattern (commonly referred to as the Elliot pattern) of flintlock pistol has a 9-inch 62 calbre barrel made with tempered seamless modern steel (type:BS970 no.080M40) with a tight breech plug. As the pictures attest, this is a beautiful pistol. Note the curve of the pistol grip/butt. This shape became popular in both the French and British armies in the 1760s. If it is not shaped this way it is not a Light Dragoon pistol.

The lock is made with strong durable springs and has a case-hardened frizzen (hammer) that throws good sparks. We use an industrial case-hardening factory process that makes sparking both more reliable and longer lasting. Presently no other musket provider uses this technique.

As with all our other flintlocks, the vent is not drilled (read details below) so we can ship easily to our door throughout North America and to Europe and the UK. Aside from that they are exactly like the originals. A fine addition to any collection.

The story behind the pattern

History

Seven Years War - American Revolution - Napoleonic Wars

Towards the end of the Seven Years War, it became clear of the necessity for a pattern of pistol specifically for the Light Dragoon Regiments of the British Army. Introduced in the 1760s, the Light Dragoon pistol graced of holsters of the brave troopers of the 16th and 17th Light Dragoons along with American mounted units loyal to the crown. The latter included the King's American Dragoons, Tarleton's famous British Legion, along with the Hussars and Light Dragoons of the Queen's Rangers. Both the British Legion and the Queen's Rangers skirmished with the France's Lauzun Legion of Hussars during the Yorktown Campaign.

After the American Revolution, this pistol continued to be used by Light Dragoons into the Napoleonic Wars. It was slowly fazed out as the introduction of the New Land Pattern took hold.

Further Reading

18th and 19th Century Nicknames or Slang for Pistols

How to Mount a Flint on American and British Muskets: A History

16th Light Dragoons trooper firing a pistol on horseback, 1761
The 16th Light Dragoons, 1761. This regiment served in the American Revolution in the Northern theatre. The unit was merged with the 17th Light Dragoons in 1778.
Hussars of the Queen's Rangers. The Hussars trained to gallop through the woods and between the files of the light infantry. The Hussars and Dragoons saw extensive service throughout the war. Cavalry of the Queen's Rangers were armed only with light dragoon pistols and swords.
Hussars of the Queen's Rangers. The Hussars trained to gallop through the woods and between the files of the light infantry. The Hussars and Dragoons saw extensive service throughout the war. Cavalry of the Queen's Rangers were armed only with light dragoon pistols and swords.

Our Guarantee

If upon receiving your musket you are not completely happy with your purchase, you may return it for a refund. All we ask is you cover the shipping costs. It has to be returned in two weeks of receipt and be in its original state (unaltered and unmodified).

Non-Firing State

We sell historically accurate muskets and pistols in a non-firing state for demonstration purposes. This allows us to comply with various local, state, national and international firearms regulations, along with shipping company policy restrictions. This means the product comes right to your doorstep. A certified gunsmith may decide to alter a musket or pistol to a firing state by drilling the vent hole and test firing it. No need to remove the breech plug. We are not legally responsible for any changes from its present state. Please read our Conditions of Use and Legal Disclaimer. The customer is expected to be aware of the laws of their locality that govern products of this nature.

Not available for Canada.