AmericanLongRifles Forums
General discussion => Antique Gun Collecting => Topic started by: WKevinD on April 07, 2025, 10:23:13 PM
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I was just gifted an old pistol barrel. I think it is a "Sea Service" barrel. I'm looking to those who know more than me to help understand what it is.
12" x .54 caliber smooth.
Kevin
(https://i.ibb.co/MkH2CYzL/Barrel1.jpg) (https://ibb.co/whq0z9n1)
(https://i.ibb.co/RpZFwZsq/Barrel2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/N6QvBQJM)
(https://i.ibb.co/d4nsdfCf/Barrel3.jpg) (https://ibb.co/7t7xwSMS)
(https://i.ibb.co/0yTnGFXx/Barrel4.jpg) (https://ibb.co/MkrgCGhm)
(https://i.ibb.co/KxscxGjp/Barrel5.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Xx5fx4Zr)
phone png image (https://imgbb.com/)
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They seem to have a smaller bore than the dragoon holster pistols i have what i think is a sea service pistol barrel 12" long .54 or .52 i will have to look when i get home.
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This barrel is from a British sea service pistol in the restoration queue. It is a tad over 11 7/8" long and the bore is about .612". The model was slightly changed over the years and the barrel shortened. This is the longer barrel version and, as I recall, would date to about 1805.
Other than the bore size, it appears to be a pretty good match.
(https://i.ibb.co/ymx9nnzQ/IMG-3132.jpg) (https://ibb.co/rKXjGGBw)
(https://i.ibb.co/N2jXKJcb/IMG-3133.jpg) (https://ibb.co/HTz0qb53)
(https://i.ibb.co/Qvvb49TS/IMG-3134.jpg) (https://ibb.co/1GGvkZPy)
(https://i.ibb.co/5gDSzmXz/IMG-3135.jpg) (https://ibb.co/8L3fRqnR)
(https://i.ibb.co/fYN8k6FJ/IMG-3137.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hRdXBQ90)
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Appears I was likely wrong on dates. A quick search produced the following:
The Pattern 1801 has a .56 cal. bore and a 12" BBL. That was later shortened to 9".
The pattern 1777 and earlier had a 12" .62 cal. barrel.
So, it appears my sea service predates the 1801 change.
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Bluenoser, Thanks! Almost twins, right down to the four hash marks on the bottom of the barrel. I had assumed they were armorers "assembly" marks now I'm not sure.
Mine shows what I assume is a rack or company mark on the tang anything like that in yours?
Kevin
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It is an assembly mark. Just a coincidence they are both "IIII". Mine also has a "W", which is likely the maker's mark, stamped next to the assembly mark. There is nothing stamped on the tang.
Laurie