Pattern 1856 Percussion Rifled Pistol, 1857

Manufactured by Tipping and Lawden, Birmingham.

During the Crimean War (1854-1856), despite the widespread use of revolvers, which were largely purchased by officers, the British Army remained unconvinced of their usefulness as a weapon. The general introduction of revolvers was consequently slow and for a time the Army even reverted to the single shot pistol.

This is an example of the rifled version of the pattern 1842 smoothbore percussion pistol and was introduced for lancers in 1856.