1796 Heavy Cavalry Pistol

Pistols such as this formed part of the personal side-arms of British heavy dragoons.
This example is a single-shot, muzzle-loading flintlock pistol. It would have had a maximum range of around 50 yards, but was most effective when fired at very close range. It’s possible that this particular pistol may have been carried by a soldier in the 2nd Dragoons, or Scots Greys, at the Battle of Waterloo.
The trigger guard has been engraved with 2RNBD C22. This indicates that it was issued as pistol 22 to ‘C’ Troop of the 2nd or Royal North British Dragoons (The Scots Greys).
Date:
1796