An Irish constabulary boxlock perc pistol. 5" brl of .65" cal. Ordnance proofs at breech, swivel rammer hinged under brl. Action engraved with VR Tower cypher, dated 1848. Walnut grip with inspection stamp.
The only contract for this handgun was issued in 1847 by George Lovell, Inspector of Small Arms, for five hundred, for special issuance to the Irish Constabulary "…when serving in plain clothes on special duty." (British Military Firearms 1650-1850 Blackmore page 213). All of these bear the date "1848" and were also marked with Irish registration marks. (ed - these were actually the Constabulary 'C' prefix and not the usual registration marks)
Examples of this piece have been seen with registration marks 'Co Wicklow Police"; C200, C369 and C28, as examples.
The only contract for this handgun was issued in 1847 by George Lovell, Inspector of Small Arms, for five hundred, for special issuance to the Irish Constabulary "…when serving in plain clothes on special duty." (British Military Firearms 1650-1850 Blackmore page 213). All of these bear the date "1848" and were also marked with Irish registration marks. (ed - these were actually the Constabulary 'C' prefix and not the usual registration marks)
Examples of this piece have been seen with registration marks 'Co Wicklow Police"; C200, C369 and C28, as examples.
