Original French M-1777 Brass Frame Percussion Converted Cavalry Pistol by St. Étienne Arsenal – Marked 85 Original Items

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 Cavalry Pistol. This was the pistol the U.S. company of “Simeon North & Elisha Cheney” copied to create the newly independent United States’ first martial flintlock pistol, the M1799. 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. This pistol was unfortunately converted later to the percussion ignition system, as was the fate of many flintlocks following the system’s introduction in the 1800s.

As originally produced, these pistols were brass mounted with wooden stocks and a cast brass frame, with the trigger guard a separate casting. The lock area would have had an integral brass flash pan, with an iron frizzen and pan cover. The guns were initially produced with an iron belt hook, which was retained by a mounting screw under the brass frame, but later production pistols that were intended for mounted use 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 was made at St. Étienne Arsenal, as marked on the brass frame, and does not have an inlet in the frame for the belt hook, so it was most likely made without one. The frame is also marked with a CROWN / J proof mark, which is not one that we are familiar with. The pistol is in good condition, but does show wear from long service and cleaning. The barrel markings are still visible, with a CROWN / R / M, as well as the number 85, which could indicate production in 1779. This would be right in line for being produced without a belt hook.

The brass frame has had the integral brass pan removed, along with the frizzen and associated hardware. A cap lock hammer was fitted, and a bolster added to the barrel. The ramrod is still present, and looks to be original, or a period replacement. Condition is good, but definitely shows wear. The lock functions correctly, holding at half cock and firing at full.

A very nice percussion converted example of the inspiration for many early U.S. pistol designs. Ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: c. 1785
Caliber: .71″ Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 7 3/8 inches
Overall Length: 13 1/4 inches
Action: Percussion Side Action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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