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Pistol 1935-227
Pattern 1777 Sea Service Pistol
Pistol 1935-227

Pattern 1777 Sea Service Pistol

Dateca. 1777-1781
Maker Board of Ordnance
OriginEngland
MediumWalnut, iron, steel and brass
DimensionsOL: 19" Barrel: 12 1/16" x .60 caliber
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1935-227
DescriptionPattern 1777 Sea Service pistol with walnut stock, round barrel, plain brass mounts and straight-bottomed regulation lock for the pattern. Reproduction brass tipped wood ramrod. Belt hook missing.
Label TextNaval combat during the American colonial period began with cannon fire and could end with hand-to-hand combat. Weapons of the melee included swords, knives, and clubs, along with anything else that could be used to maim or kill an opponent. Pistols were also used, and this type represents the state-of-the-art handgun prescribed by the Royal Navy. The Pattern 1777 Sea Service pistol was a scaled down version of the companion naval musket introduced the same year. Both were sturdy, plain and reliable.

Turned up-side down and grabbed by the muzzle, it made an effective club. Now missing, the pistol's inboard side once mounted a long belt hook, enabling it to be conveniently carried into the fight either on deck or high up in the rigging.
MarkingsLock engraved with "Crown GR" ahead of cock, "TOWER" behind and a "Crowned Broad Arrow" struck under the pan. Barrel is struck with the usual Ordnance View & Proof marks plus the maker's mark of Isaac Bissell. Stock is marked with the Ordnance storekeepers mark above the tail of the lockplate.
Exhibition(s)