Case of Napoleon’s Pistols

These lovely pistols are on display at the Riksmuseeum in Amsterdam. This is very appropriate, as the contribution that the Dutch made to the Allied Army and to the battle is often forgotten. They Dutch army fielded 17,000 troops. Their commander, the Prince of Orange (later King William II) was a Major General in the British Army, and was wounded in the shoulder by a musket ball. He was well liked by the British soldiers who nicknamed him “Slender Billy”. Later in 1826 the famous “Butte au lion” was raised in his honour on the spot where he was wounded. He was a very liberal king much loved by his subjects because of his reforms.

The pistols were made around 1813 – 1815 by Le Page of Paris, who was an Imperial gunmaker or “Arqubusier de l’Empereur”. His name is inlaid in gold on the barrels. They are of the highest quality and are much more fancy than English pistols of the period which tend to be quite plain, with understated decoration.

The barrels are made by a process known as “damascus” twist where a ribbon made of alternating iron and steel wires is wound – whilst white hot – around a central steel mandrel to make a tube. This was very strong and flexible.

The locks (which set off the gunpowder and fire the pistols) are very advanced with waterproof pans and anti-friction rollers on the steels. The pistols are fitter with set-triggers to aid accurate shooting.

They are contained in their red and green leather lined wooden case which contains the ammunition and all the tools you needed to load and clean them. The accessories include, bullet mould for use with molten lead, gun powder flask, gunpowder measure, mallet and two lading rods for ramming the charge, screwdriver and oil bottle.