Britain, 1855, Pattern 1842 Sea Service-Coast Guard Percussion Pistol, Tower issue by Hollis & Sheath of Birmingham, retailed by R. Heacock, Board of Ordnance marked, Captive Ramrod,  Obsolete Calibre

*Britain, 1855, Pattern 1842 Sea Service-Coast Guard Percussion Pistol, Tower issue by Hollis & Sheath of Birmingham, retailed by R. Heacock, Board of Ordnance marked, Captive Ramrod,  Obsolete Calibre*

A correct and well-marked British Pattern 1842 Sea Service / Coast Guard percussion pistol, manufactured for the Board of Ordnance and dated 1855. The lock is crisply engraved with Crown over VR and TOWER 1855, retaining clear government ownership and inspection marks, and remains mechanically functional, cocking and dry-firing correctly. The smoothbore barrel bears a full sequence of Birmingham proof and view marks together with Ordnance acceptance stamps. The original walnut stock is stamped with a Broad Arrow over BO store mark and the contractor’s name R. Heacock, with additional crown inspection marks present. The pistol retains its correct brass furniture throughout, including trigger guard, butt cap with swivelling iron lanyard ring, side plate, and the correct Sea Service belt hook, a desirable feature often absent on surviving examples. The original captive steel ramrod is present.

Historical Note:
The Pattern 1842 Sea Service / Coast Guard percussion pistol was introduced under the supervision of George Lovell, Inspector of Small Arms from 1840, as part of the Board of Ordnance’s programme to modernise British military small arms following the adoption of percussion ignition. Intended for issue to the Royal Navy, Coast Guard, and associated coastal services, the pattern replaced earlier flintlock sea service pistols while retaining a compact and robust form suited to maritime use.

Production was undertaken by private Birmingham contractors working under Board of Ordnance supervision, including Hollis & Sheath, a prominent mid-19th-century firm operating between 1848 and 1861. Formed by Isaac Hollis and Isaac Brentnall Sheath and based at Weaman Row, Birmingham, the partnership became an important Ordnance contractor supplying pistols and other percussion arms during the Crimean War period. In 1861, Isaac Brentnall Sheath left the partnership and emigrated to New Zealand, after which the business continued as Isaac Hollis & Sons. Arms bearing the “TOWER” mark were not manufactured at the Tower of London itself, but assembled and inspected there under Board of Ordnance supervision from components supplied by private contractors, with accepted lockplates stamped accordingly.

Pistols of this type remained in service throughout the Crimean War era and continued in naval and Coast Guard use well into the mid-Victorian period, reflecting the conservative and practical approach of British maritime small-arms policy.

*Condition*
Overall sound condition, showing honest service wear consistent with age. Markings remain clear throughout. Action functions correctly, cocking and dry-firing as it should. Complete with captive ramrod and original belt hook. Obsolete calibre. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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