Outstanding 1846 Tower Pattern 1842 Sea Service Percussion Pistol, Coast Guard marked and complete with original captive swivel rammer — a rare and highly desirable mid-Victorian naval sidearm.
An exceptional British Pattern 1842 Sea Service Percussion Belt Pistol, dated 1846 and clearly marked for Coast Guard issue, retaining its original captive swivel rammer and belt hook, with crisp ordnance inspection marks throughout.
The flat lock plate is engraved Crown / V.R. over “TOWER 1846” with a small Crown over Broad Arrow, denoting Board of Ordnance assembly and acceptance during the early Victorian period. By this stage the Royal Navy and Coast Guard had fully adopted percussion ignition, and this pattern represents the standard mid-19th century naval service pistol.
The 6-inch smoothbore barrel is secured by the correct brass nose cap and fitted with its original captive steel swivel rammer — a feature often absent on surviving examples. The left side retains the proper belt hook for maritime carry.
Barrel markings include “CG” for Coast Guard service, Crowned inspection initials, Broad Arrow ownership marks, Crown over B / 9 viewer’s stamp, and repeated Crown over 17 inspection marks. The rammer head is stamped Crown over CG. The brass furniture remains crisp and well toned, and the walnut stock displays the government arrow with rich colour and honest service patina.
A complete, sharply marked and highly desirable Coast Guard example of the Pattern 1842 Sea Service pistol.
Approx. Measurements – Barrel length: 15 cm. Overall length: 29 cm.
Historical Note:
The Pattern 1842 Sea Service pistol was the final large-scale British naval percussion pistol before the transition to rifled sidearms. Introduced following earlier percussion developments in the late 1830s, it was issued widely to the Royal Navy and Coast Guard. The Coast Guard during this period played a critical role in: anti-smuggling enforcement; coastal patrol; boarding of merchant vessels and the protection of maritime trade. By 1846, Britain was consolidating imperial trade dominance, and arms such as this were central to maintaining maritime law and authority.
Coast Guard-marked pistols are significantly scarcer than standard naval-issue examples and are actively sought by collectors due to their clearly defined service history.
*Condition*
An extremely honest and attractive example. The lock functions correctly, holding at full and half cock and releasing as expected in dry fire. Metal surfaces display even age patination with scattered light surface marking consistent with service and storage. Markings remain clear and legible throughout. The walnut stock remains structurally sound with no significant cracks or repairs observed. There are minor handling marks consistent with age and service use. Brass furniture shows pleasing age tone. The swivel rammer operates as intended. A strong, complete and well-marked Coast Guard example. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
*In order to complete the online purchase we will require a picture/scan of a photo ID (Driving Licence, Passport or an official document with a recent picture). If you don't posses any such document please call to buy. If we consider that the proof of ID is incorect or insuficient, we reserve the right to cancel the transaction.
*We also reserve the right to cancel the transaction with a full refund if there is any suspicion that the provided item will be used in any way contrary to the laws and legislation of UK.
