Dragoon Pistol
flickr:4392342273

Inspired by Prussian designs of the time, this model of Dragoon pistol was common amongst Britain's mounted troops throughout the 18th Century. When a Light Dragoon pistol was developed in the 1760s, this pistol was relegated to the Heavy Dragoons. However prior to this it likely would have been in stores at the opening of the American Revolution and likely saw use on both sides during the conflict.

However the true claim to fame of this elegant pistol came prior to this. During the War of the Austrian Succession (King George's War), British Dragoon regiments such as the Royal Dragoons, King's Dragoons, and Royal Scots Greys saw service in at the Battles of Dettingen and Fontenoy. At the victory at Dettingen, the Dragoons are noted as firing a volley from their pistols to check a charge by French cavalry. The defeat at Roucoux in 1746 and at Lauffeld in 1747 could have turned into disasters if it were not for the heroic actions of the British cavalry which held off the French while the army retreated.

During the Jacobite Rebellions, after being embarrassed at Battles of Prestonpans and Falkirk, Dragoons played a significant role at the Battle of Culloden by charging both flanks of the Highland army.

.62 caliber

[flickr:http://www.flickr.com/photos/39517578@N06/4392342273/]

Reference

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