1854 Transport Corps Issue Sea Service Pistol

*** My thanks to a colleague who helped me with gaps in my knowledge on Crimean War history ***

A good percussion pistol with its lock signed by Blake & Co. London and dated, 1854. This commercial pistol is a modified Tower pattern, that is attributed to the Transport Corps, a paramilitary organisation that predates the Land Transport Corps.

The history of the civilian Transport Corps stems from the Crimean War, after inadequate supply lines failed to deliver the much needed provisions from the port of Balaclava to Sevastapol. Much of what did get through only became possible through the efforts of businessmen who helped organise a civilian supply agency (the Commissariat), which was a non-military service that also came under the control of the Treasury. Together they appointed Commissariat-General Filder to oversee matters, as he was also attached to the British Expeditionary Force.

The 1854 Transport Corps came about at a much needed time during the Crimean War but it seems that through the midst of time, its legacy has been somewhat overlooked. Of course, within months the military Land Transport Corps was formed by Royal Warrant in 24 Jan 1855.

No doubt the civilian aid that was forthcoming, was much appreciated and the personnel likely worked alongside the LTC, although their role was non-combatant. As such, they could not be armed by the War Office but they were nevertheless issued with Treasury sponsored arms for their personal protection. Typically the men of the Transport Corps were ex soldiers and matelots and so the arms that were issued to them, while they came from commercial gun trade stock, were of a pattern familiar to the men entrusted to carry them.

True to British officialdom, after receiving the commercial proofs, this pistol underwent government inspection and acceptance, at which point the two Crown "T.C." marks were struck into the furniture, denoting their provenance.

Offered in working order and with a strong action, this pistol is in solid condition with good walnut furniture where only the ironwork has overall surface pitting, resulting in its speckled appearance.

An interesting historic example.

Code: 51575