A NATIONWIDE hunt has been launched for two historic pistols stolen from a Hampshire museum.

The pistols were once owned by Captain Thomas Hardy, who served alongside Lord Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.

They were snatched in a raid on the museum at Buckler's Hard in the New Forest.

Buckler's Hard built several 18th century warships, including the 64-gun HMS Agamemnon - said to have been Lord Nelson's favourite vessel.

The village museum houses several items of Nelson memorabilia, including his baby clothes and a lock of his hair.

Thieves forced the front door and smashed a glass cabinet to steal the pistols, which have been displayed at the museum since 1967.

They took the guns - thought to be worth about £5,000 - and also made off with a small brass bust of Nelson.

A description of the stolen property is being circulated in the art world.

A museum spokesman said the two engraved pistols were presented to Captain Hardy by Rear Admiral Sir Thomas Troubridge, who died in 1807.

She added: "I believe the guns were among several items sold by one of Captain Hardy's descendents. "They were loaned to us by the current owner, who must have known about our connection with Nelson.

"The pistols aren't worth a huge amount of money, but they are of great value to us.

"We are thinking positively and spreading the word as far and as wide as we can in the hope of getting the pistols back."

The guns were made by Collis of Oxford.

Engravings on the hilt and barrel include a shell and scroll design and the Troubridge crest.

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