A very fine 0.66" East India Government 1858 Pattern percussion cavalry pistol, 13½" overall. 

Blued 8" barrel with Tower military proof and Birmingham inspector’s marks, "B” over "3” "B” over "4” and "1” over "B”, and blade foresight and "V” rearsight at the front of the blued barrel tang. Two crowns, joined by a line, both on the barrel flat and on the barrel tang. The bore still retains its original bright polish. The chequered spur hammer and the flat lock retain virtually all of their original vibrant case hardened colours, the lock stamped at the tail with a crowned broad arrow over "EIG”, and in front of the cock with "Birmingham 1871” and with the Birmingham inspector’s mark "1” over "B”. Walnut full stock stamped "B. Woodward & Sons”, and with the Birmingham Ordnance roundel mark, a crown over broad arrow and "EIG” and "Birmingham”, the right side of the butt stamped "B” over "3” twice, above the trigger guard tang. Regulation brass mounts, swivel ramrod with case hardened, knurled, head and blued stirrups, stamped "B” over "3” at the muzzle end, and iron lanyard swivel ring, also stamped "B” over "3”. Excellent working order and very fine, unissued, condition, retaining virtually all its original finish. 

Note: Benjamin Woodward & Sons traded as gun and pistol makers from 10 Whittall Street, Birmingham from 1842 to 1883. 

This pistol is undoubtedly from the last order of this Pattern, made in 1871, which was never actually shipped to India, and which, therefore, unlike the pistols in the first order, which are all dated 1869, do not bear any Indian arsenal marks. This 1871 order was discovered, in unissued condition, in a warehouse in the 1960s. 

Dimensions:

Bore: 16 Bore

Barrel Length: 20.4 cm (8 Inches)

Overall Length: 34.3 cm (13.5 Inches)