A woman in a sleepy town is under investigation for allegedly sending a historic pistol claimed to have belonged to King George III in the post.
Police say the package was intercepted and found to contain a muzzle-loading firearm in perfect working condition.
The .64-calibre flintlock, manufactured in the UK between 1802 and 1815, bears engravings linking it to the early 19th-century British royal family.
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Local media suggest it may have belonged to a member of the House of Hanover – possibly King George III or one of his sons, as reported by Need To Know.
George William Frederick, born in London’s Norfolk House, reigned from 1760 to 1820 during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.
Under his rule, Britain became a major force against Napoleon and expanded its empire in India and the Caribbean – but lost its 13 American colonies.
Later in life, George III suffered recurring bouts of mental illness, possibly porphyria, which led to the Regency Crisis of 1810.
Spanish police described the weapon, which is believed to have been sent from the woman’s home in Miranda de Ebro, Burgos Province, to Alicante, as a Light Dragoon model from the brand Tower.
Authorities have launched an investigation into possible smuggling and arms trafficking.
A police statement said: “The suspect did not hold any firearms licence or authorisation for possession or trade.
“Prompting the Guardia Civil to open formal proceedings.”
Further checks are now underway to confirm the pistol’s true provenance.
