Original French Brass Barreled Flintlock Pistol by Royet Freres of St. Étienne Circa 1783 – Restocked in North America Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a lovely late 18th Century French flintlock pocket pistol, signed on the brass lock plate with Royet Freres, which we believe was a gunmaker in Saint-Étienne, France circa 1790-1795. The barrel is also of brass, as is the trigger guard, and both are quite ornamented, with some interesting engraving on the barrel, and a grotesque mask on the trigger guard.

Several decades after manufacture, it looks to have been re-stocked in North America, where it was almost certainly part of the booming Fur Trade, which took place in both Canada and the Colonies, regardless of whether there was a war going on or not. The pistol measures measures in 13 inches overall with a 7 3/8″ barrel approximately 0.57″ in bore. It also features a ramrod under the barrel, however it looks to be a period fabricated replacement.

Condition is very nice, showing wear from age and use, and shows a lovely polished brass patina on the metalwork. The wood stock has a lovely color, though it does show cracking on the left side, running from the lock screw, which does show some movement. We have not made any attempts to repair this crack. The lock is fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full.

A charming example, ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1793-1794 – Restocked Later
Caliber: about 0.57″
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Overall Length: 13 inches
Barrel Length: 7 3/8 inches
Action: Flintlock side action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country’s antique gun laws prior to ordering.