This is an English single shot, percussion pistol with a .69 caliber smoothbore barrel. The octagonal barrel is approximately 8 ½” long while the overall length of the gun is nearly 14”. The top flat of the barrel is engraved “PRESENTED TO THE BEST SHOT OF THE SURREY YEOMANRY CAVALRY / BY LIEUT COL THE EARL OF LOVELACE JULY 1841”.

The barrel, ramrod tube, lockplate, hammer, trigger guard, backstrap, and all screwheads display a matching engraving pattern, patina, wear, and pitting. The lockplate is marked “GAMESON”. There is a German silver escutcheon plate behind the breech plug tang and two oval-shaped silver escutcheons used to reinforce where the barrel pin goes through the forestock. The ramrod looks to be a replacement. The nosecap has been replaced or repaired and painted black. The handles exhibit a checkered grip pattern. There is a small crack in the stock above the lock, behind the hammer. There also must have been a break in the grip as there is evidence of repair work. Despite the repairs, the stock, and the pistol overall, is quite presentable. The mechanics are strong. The barrel is clean.

The Surrey Gentlemen and Yeomanry Cavalry was raised in 1794, but disbanded in 1828. A Southwark Troop was raised in 1831 and became a full Regiment in the same year. That too was disbanded in 1848. A short history of the Earl of Lovelace is included.  [jet]

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