Ketland & Co. British Fur Trade 59 Cal 9” Flintlock Pistol 1780 Antique

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.
The bore is smooth (no rifling), dark, and shows moderate corrosion and age-appropriate fouling.

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.