Afghan Pistol

Shakethetrees · 24th June 2015, 08:21 PM

Not exactly the same type as the one posted earlier, but used on opposite sides in the same battles.

This pistol was of a type that was issued to an H.E.I.C. Cavalry unit that, incidentally still exists today in the Indian Army, but with a different name.

There are published images of prints showing various H.E.I.C. Cavalry uniforms with similar, if not identical, pistols being worn in a sash. The distinctive lion head butt cap stands out.

This particular style pistol was purchased for the unit circa 1849 or thereabout. As the name was modified or changed regularly these dates can be narrowed down pretty closely.

It is of dueling pistol quality with a Damascus barrel, serial numbered 26. All mounts are white brass.

During a phase of what was known as the "Great Game", a power struggle in South Asia between Britain, Russia, and Persia that still has repercussions today, the British sent a number of units to Persia and engaged them in several battles.

During the battle of Kooshab happened one of the great cavalry charges of the 19th century, the Poonah Irregular Horse, along with several other regiments cut the Persian army to ribbons, virtually ruining the First Kusgai Regiment of Fars.

This is the very short version. A book came out that's still available on Amazon called, "John Company's Last War" that will fill in all the details, as well as various useful Wikipedia articles.

Shakethetrees · 24th June 2015, 08:32 PM

Several more bits.

The gun is marked on the top barrel flat to Garden and Son, 200 Piccadilly, London. This company was a fancy leather goods and saddle maker and did not make any weapons. It was actually made in Birmingham, England by Harrington and Scott. The serial numbers (or assembly numbers) are struck inside the barrel channel on the stock and on the underside of the barrel.

I have a more extensive article in the works on this pistol, and whenever I can get the time (and motivation!) to finish it up and send it round to a publisher, I will post notice of it here if there's interest.

One thing I need is to go to Woolwich Arsenal in London to search out a few images of the period uniforms showing this gun being worn. I know they're there, but I need to get rights to use them!

rickystl · 28th June 2015, 05:23 PM

Super interesting gun and history. Thanks for Posting. Rick.

24th June 2015, 08:21 PM	#1
Shakethetrees Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Louisiana Posts: 363	Not exactly the same type as the one posted earlier, but used on opposite sides in the same battles. This pistol was of a type that was issued to an H.E.I.C. Cavalry unit that, incidentally still exists today in the Indian Army, but with a different name. There are published images of prints showing various H.E.I.C. Cavalry uniforms with similar, if not identical, pistols being worn in a sash. The distinctive lion head butt cap stands out. This particular style pistol was purchased for the unit circa 1849 or thereabout. As the name was modified or changed regularly these dates can be narrowed down pretty closely. It is of dueling pistol quality with a Damascus barrel, serial numbered 26. All mounts are white brass. During a phase of what was known as the "Great Game", a power struggle in South Asia between Britain, Russia, and Persia that still has repercussions today, the British sent a number of units to Persia and engaged them in several battles. During the battle of Kooshab happened one of the great cavalry charges of the 19th century, the Poonah Irregular Horse, along with several other regiments cut the Persian army to ribbons, virtually ruining the First Kusgai Regiment of Fars. This is the very short version. A book came out that's still available on Amazon called, "John Company's Last War" that will fill in all the details, as well as various useful Wikipedia articles. Attached Images

24th June 2015, 08:32 PM	#2
Shakethetrees Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Louisiana Posts: 363	Several more bits. The gun is marked on the top barrel flat to Garden and Son, 200 Piccadilly, London. This company was a fancy leather goods and saddle maker and did not make any weapons. It was actually made in Birmingham, England by Harrington and Scott. The serial numbers (or assembly numbers) are struck inside the barrel channel on the stock and on the underside of the barrel. I have a more extensive article in the works on this pistol, and whenever I can get the time (and motivation!) to finish it up and send it round to a publisher, I will post notice of it here if there's interest. One thing I need is to go to Woolwich Arsenal in London to search out a few images of the period uniforms showing this gun being worn. I know they're there, but I need to get rights to use them! Attached Images

28th June 2015, 05:23 PM	#3
rickystl Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: St. Louis, MO area. Posts: 1,629	Super interesting gun and history. Thanks for Posting. Rick.