Mid 19th Century Spanish 0.7 Calibre Cavalry Belt Pistol By M. Maiztegui

An 1852 Model Spanish Cavalry Pistol with the lock and barrel dated 1858 and the number 110.

The lock is also stamped 1858 and 110, plus the Crowned AR, the manufacturer M. Maiztegui and other marks, which I assume are inspection stamps.

The backstrap and trigger guard are also stamped with the Crown AR, so overall this is a well marked piece.

Although the steelwork has some staining it is overall in good condition with some areas showing minor salt and pepper pitting.  The brasswork is likewise in good shape, being clean, but not polished.

One of the most notable features of this pistol is the distinctive and robust nipple protector which is spring loaded and can be swept forward out of the way when the hammer is at half position ...... which leads me neatly into this pistols only issue which is that it doesn't quite hold in full position.

The stock is in good condition, with only very minor bruising and a couple of "small holes" on the left side above the belt hook.

Behind the belt hook, faintly stamped is the number 110.  I can see no further stamps in the wood.

Spain's Cavalry were active during the Hispano Moroccan War (1859-1860) when somewhere in the region of 3000 Cavalry were deployed, so this pistols manufacture date of 1858 sits nicely in that period, if your interest is in military actions of that timeframe.

An interesting and solid piece in any case.

Barrel length 19.5cm, Overall length 33cm

This antique pistol is considered obsolete and non functioning, and is sold as a collectable ornamental item. This product is available for purchase in the UK without a license