As an addition to my question this AM as to the identification of the maker of my pair of Flintlock Pistols
marked with 5 superimposed over a T , here are photos to aid in the identification.
All help and thoughts as to origin is appreciated.

Jim...

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I will try to attach photos again.
The pair of pistols have been in family for generations. The barrel is marked with 26
and what appears to be a backwards L an open top 9 and the numbers 421
they resemble British Light Dragoon
and of course have the 5 T mark on the lock plate
ant help is appreciated Sorry for photo problems

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Hi. I've combined your multiple posts into a single topic and moved them to the appropriate forum.

Cheers

It looks to me like the cock (and other parts, possibly the stock, too) have been painted/japanned black. Along with the belt hook, this is supposedly a naval affectation to protect against corrosion. Is there a naval connection with your ancestors?

I'm afraid I can't help you any further with the maker's mark.

Julian

Well...

This is a tough one. I too think they may be sea service pistols. They look late 18th/ early 19th c., possibly French. If they were British we would see some British proof marks and the crown. The lock looks like it might be French. From your photos it looks like these guns are probably 100% original, i.e. there are no replacement parts or major repairs. Something I noticed was the unusual configuration of the muzzle end of the stock. It looks like a large groove is on either side of the stock. I have seen that somewhere before but cannot remember and did locate a reference.

The markings on the barrel could be rack numbers. The T/5 marking I am not sure of.

I am not sure what you have there but they are interesting. If you live close to Greensboro, you might take them to the gun show in August. There are always collectors and antique firearms dealers there who could offer a better opinion based on a detailed inspection. Do you know how they came to be in your family?

Isn't it clever, though, that there is an indention near the muzzel to facilitate a grip with your little finger when using the butt end for a club in a melee? Thought it was to better grip the ramrod when the lightbulb went off. Better evidence I think for a naval weapon and if I were to bet, I would say Dutch about 1800-1810.