An historically important Revolutionary War period silver mounted brass barreled pistol owned by Capt. S. Baggot of the 17th Regiment Light Dragoons.

With hallmarks dating this pistol to 1781 (although stylistically this elegant and historic pistol looks to be slightly earlier, perhaps to circa 1765-1770) it may have seen action in the later part of the Revolutionary War. Made by Thomas Hadley, a well respected gunmaker in Birmingham, the gun features an 8" brass barrel transitioning from octagonal to round making the overall length of the gun 14." The lockplate and pan are also of brass. The walnut stock is quite magnificent showing only a few minor repairs. The silver name plate escutcheon is inscribed "Capt. S. Baggot, 17th Regiment of Light Dragoons." Additional silver mounts include the original silver tipped ramrod, chased silver butt cap, engraved silver triggerguard with floral finial and an engraved and pierced silver side plate.Research indicates that Capt. Baggot was stationed in the New York region between late 1776 and 1780. His regiment saw action at the Battle of White Plains on Oct. 28, 1776 and at the Battle of Monmouth, June 28, 1778. He also apparently served under 26 year old Lt. Col. Banastre Tarleton in the South and fought at the Battle of Cowpens in South Carolina Jan. 17, 1781. It is documented that a troop of 50 men of the 17th Light Dragoons fought at Cowpens, (part of the 1,150 man British force), possibly under the command of Capt. Baggot. After a battle of one hour, the British surrendered and 712 men were taken prisoner. We believe that Capt. Baggot may have been one of those men and later interned at Yorktown. Whether he had this pistol with him remains to be seen but it clearly was owned by him. He returned to England in 1783.