Original item. Only One Available. This is a very nice example of the father of American single shot martial pistols, the French M-1777 Flintlock Pistol. This was the pistol the U.S. company of "Simeon & North" copied to create the newly independent United States' first martial flintlock pistol. These pistols are very rare on the market, especially ones such as this that are still in the original flintlock configuration. Most that we have seen were converted to percussion in the mid 1800s.
This model of pistol was adopted to replace the earlier M-1763 cavalry pistol, which was much more traditional in design with a full wood stock. The M-1777 would go on to see service from the U.S. revolutionary war right through to the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte at the battle of waterloo in 1815.
As originally produced, these pistols were brass mounted with wooden rear stock and a cast brass frame, with the trigger guard a separate casting. The lock area has a brazed on integral brass flash pan, with an iron frizzen and pan cover. Early examples such as this were produced with an iron belt hook, which was retained by a mounting screw under the brass frame, but later production pistols did not have them. Most M-1777 pistols encountered today were manufactured without the belt hook, or had the hook removed during the period of use. This example still has the hook, properly secured by a large iron screw inside the trigger guard.
This example is marked Maubeuge on the brass frame under the hammer, indicating production at the Royal arsenal located in Maubeuge, France, today along the Northern border with Belgium. There are some other markings on the frame, and an 18 on the side of the barrel, however the barrel tang date is unfortunately worn away. Also, most interestingly, the barrel has been shortened about 1 1/4 inches, possibly to make it more portable. These pistols were intended for cavalry, but this example in fact looks to have been used by the French Navy aboard a ship! The butt cap is marked with:
7
HERMIONE
The French frigate "Hermione'', launched 28 April 1779 and in Service from June 1793 onwards, carried the United States greatest French Ally, the Marquis De La Fayette to Boston in 1780. This mission allowed the colonies to "officially" ally France with the "New" America. "Hermione" had an illustrious career on America's behalf helping gain our independence.
The pistol is in well used condition, with some cracking at the edges of the stock where it meets the metal. However it still has a lovely color and grain, and overall the pistol has a lovely patinated appearance. It also has the original ramrod, which are very often lost. The lock functions correctly, holding at half cock and firing at full.
A Very Fine unconverted example of the French 1777 Flintlock Pistol, the inspiration for many early U.S. pistol designs, with strong Naval And Revolutionary War Connections. Extremely Rare!
Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: circa 1777
Caliber: .71" Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 6 1/4 inches
Overall Length: 12 inches
Action: Percussion Side Action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded
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