Original French Modèle 1837 Navy Percussion Pistol made at Tulle Arsenal with Belt Hook Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a lovely example of a French Modèle 1837 Navy Percussion pistol, complete with the original belt hook still present on the left side. Holsters were impractical at sea, and the leather would quickly be degraded by the sea environment, so a pistol that could be fastened over the belt was preferable. To prevent loss, the ramrod is a “captured” type, attached with a swivel at the front of the barrel.

The barrel tang on this example is correctly marked Mle 1837 surrounding the rear sight, and there are also some proof marks near the breech end of the barrel on the left side. There is a Naval “Anchor” proof stamped into the butt plate next to the lanyard ring, used to keep the pistol from falling to the decks or overboard.

The lock is marked:

M’re R’le
de Tulle

This is the abbreviation for Manufacture Royale de Tulle (also known as Manufacture d’Armes de Tulle), the Imperial Arsenal in southwestern France. This is also which is where the majority of Naval and Marine production guns were made during the mid 19th century, so there is definitely a possible naval connection.

The pistol has the standard 6 1/2 inch smoothbore barrel, 12 inches in overall length with brass and iron mountings. The stock is lovely, with a dark red brown color, and a lovely polished patina, with the expected wear and denting from service. It does show cracking on both sides of the stock along the grain, which are hard to see as one is under the belt hook. The lock functions correctly, holding at half cock and firing at full, however the half cock position is so close to the cap nipple cone as to be almost useless. The bore is clear, showing some light oxidation and fouling.

These are relatively rare, and this is one of only a handfull that we have been able to offer. Ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1840
Bore Diameter: 0.60″
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 6 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 12 inches
Action: Back Action Percussion
Feed System: Single Shot

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.