Original Item: Only One Available. We've never had one of these before as I imagine they are exceptionally rare. With plenty of markings on the barrel and lock this should be a great subject for research. The pistol has a 9 1/2" iron barrel, brass mounts, no provision for ram rod and a substantial iron belt hook. The steel lock plate has a deep stamped "Armorer's mark", the barrel with what appear to be the initials F.R.N. or similar under a large letter R under a stylized Crown. There is a large H stamping to the left hand rear barrel facet and what appear to be four proof marks on the right rear barrel facet.

In remarkably good condition, Spanish Navy items from circa 1800 are very hard to find since together with the French fleets were continually destroyed by Britain's Royal Navy.

A fine Naval Sea Service MIQUELET Pistol.

History of the Miquelet Lock:
Miquelet lock is a modern term used by collectors and curators, largely in the English-speaking world, for a type of firing mechanism used in muskets
and pistols. It is a distinctive form of snaplock, originally as a flint-against-steel ignition form, once prevalent in Spain, Portugal, Italy, the Balkans, North Africa, Ottoman Empire and throughout Spain's colonies from the late 16th to the mid 19th centuries.

The term miquelet lock was not recorded until the 19th century, long after the appearance of the mechanism in the 16th century, and is of uncertain origin. One commonly held view is that it was coined by British troops in the Peninsular War to describe the style of musket used by the Miquelet (militia) that had been assigned to the Peninsular Army of the Duke of Wellington.

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these.