Ketland & Co. British Fur Trade 59 Cal 9” Flintlock Pistol 1780 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,503.00
LSB#: LSB250520JB045
Make: W. Ketland & Co.
Model: British Flintlock Trade Pistol
Serial Number: NSNV
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1780 (Antique)
Caliber: .59 Caliber (Smoothbore, Black Powder Only)
Action Type: Single Shot Flintlock, Muzzleloader
Markings: The lockplate is engraved “Ketland & Co” in script. The top flat of the barrel is engraved “London” and is stamped with two London commercial proof marks. The barrel breech is decorated with simple line engraving. The stock features a carved shell motif at the wrist and a vacant oval escutcheon engraved with the numeral “2”.
Barrel Length: 9.25” Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass blade fixed near the muzzle. There is no rear sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece walnut with a full-length forearm, flared grip, and brass furniture including the buttcap, trigger guard, ramrod pipes, and sideplate. A raised carved floral design is present around the barrel tang. There are scattered dings, dents, handling marks, and old filled repairs in the forearm. The stock rates in Good+ condition for an original flintlock of this period.
Type of Finish: Iron Lock & Barrel in Bright Patina, Brass Mounts
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is smooth (no rifling), dark, and shows moderate corrosion and age-appropriate fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 3/10, typical for a flintlock pistol of this age.
Overall Condition: This original British flintlock pistol retains its classic 18th-century features and patina. The lockplate and barrel markings are clear, and the iron components have aged with oxidation and erosion in exposed areas. The brass hardware has mellowed to a rich golden tone. The lock holds full cock and releases properly. The frizzen opens and snaps closed with good spring tension. The screws and hardware are period-correct. This pistol is in Good antique condition overall, retaining great historical character.
Mechanics: The action functions properly. The cock locks back and drops when the trigger is pulled. The frizzen and pan operate as intended. The pistol is mechanically complete. As with all antique black powder arms, a professional inspection is recommended before any firing or handling. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Our Assessment: This is a scarce and desirable original British flintlock trade pistol made by W. Ketland & Co., one of the premier London gunmakers supplying both civilian and military markets during the late 18th century. Pistols like this were widely exported for use in the North American fur trade, where they were prized by trappers, native allies, and frontiersmen for their reliability and rugged simplicity.
The London-marked barrel and commercial proof stamps confirm it was made for export, while the flared grip, shell-carved wrist, and brass mounts give it the visual signature of pistols used throughout the colonies. These Ketland pistols were often carried across Canada and the American frontier—particularly by Hudson’s Bay Company traders, militia officers, and other figures involved in early exploration and trade.
This is a true piece of transatlantic frontier history, and whether you’re a collector of early British firearms, fur trade artifacts, or flintlock-era arms, this pistol would be a historically significant and visually impressive addition to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
