Description:
This magnificently beautiful smooth-bore horse pistol is an amazing example of the days prior to and including the time of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and the height of France's military power, wars with Great Britain for supremacy of the seas and the land, eventually ending in Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo.
The vast majority of these were converted to percussion locks by the 1840’s, then re-issued to the French military, however this one escaped that fate and remains in it's original flintlock configuration.
The barrel, of approximately .69 caliber is smooth-bore, has typical interior and exterior age pitting expected of a black powder firearm, yet is in great condition and fully capable of being fired. Barrel measures approximately 7.25 inches in length.
The overall length of this pistol is about 13.5 inches.
The walnut stock is in marvelous condition, exhibiting no cracking or major dings...there is however one small area on the top of the pistol to the left opposite the cock that has a small amount of wood missing (see photos), but judging from the wear/smoothness and darkness of the area the indication is this “chiped” area is very old and could have actually been this way since it was almost new.
The fittings, such as the nose piece, trigger guard, pommel of the grip, and the flash pan are all brass and displays a darkened patina commensurate with age.
The lock, including the frizzen are all darkened brown with age. The jaws of the cock lock tight against a leather covered flint, and provides excellent contact with the frizzen. The springs are all strong and tight. This cocks well, and throws a generous shower of sparks into the pan.
The original ramrod is still with the pistol, having, like the lock and other steel parts, darkened with age to a pleasing brown color. All the screws go in properly and are tight, no missing threads or rust on them.
There are multiple “touch marks” of military arsenal approval on the parts, both brass, steel, and even the underside of the barrel, showing acceptance by the armory that produced it.
The overall weight of this historic and rare piece of history is nearly 3 pounds (2 pounds 14 ounces). There are no sights on the pistol as these were not so much aimed but pointed at an opponent on the field of battle. One can imagine a pair of these strapped across a saddle, loaded not necessarily with a single projectile, but rather more like a shotgun, with 3, 4, or more smaller round balls. During a charge the user would point at his opponent, pull the trigger, and the shotgun like blast and multiple projectiles exiting the barrel would probably hit something! After expending his shot, and in close, the pistol became personal as it's user would no doubt use the rounded brass military skull-crusher butt/pommel as a club...a brutal way to fight!
The overall physical and mechanical condition of this pistol is such that it is still in shoot-able condition and I have personally fired this fine antique pistol, loading it with “buck and ball” like a shotgun. Certainly it will make a magnificent piece for display in a collection of early military pistols, a great representative example of military technology from 200 plus years ago, and history one can hold in the hand.
This is an antique and therefore exempt from Federal regulations. It can not however be shipped to states where prohibited.
Condition:
Used - See Item Description
Brand:
French Military Arsenal
Caliber:
.69 Cal.
Location:
PA
Trades Accepted: No
Shipping Notes: See Description
