Original French Napoleonic Engraved Flintlock Pocket Pistol Made in Liège, Belgum – Circa 1780-1800 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Belgium as we know it today was only established in 1830, when the population rebelled against Dutch rule. Prior to that, most of the country had been known as Flanders and other local areas, which were possessions of Spain, France and Holland over the prior several hundreds of years. After the final defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte the territory was then considered to be part of Holland, or the Netherlands as we call it today. This lasted only 15 years until 1830, when the Northern Portion of the Netherlands declared independence as Belgium.

This flintlock pistol is from the early Napoleonic period during the late 18th century, when Liège was still firmly under French control. This city was a gunmaking powerhouse, which would later manufacture guns for countries all over the world.

This is a truly charming small Flintlock Pocket Pistol with an overall length of 5 3/4″, featuring a lovely engraved box frame and checkered “bag” grip. There is no maker name listed on the pistol, just the E / L G / * in an oval proof of Liège on the left side of the frame under the frizzen pivot. The pistol features a fold away trigger that only appears once the hammer is cocked, and has a turn off 1 3/8″ barrel with a smooth bore of approximately 0.48″. It also features a safety on the cock, which also locks the frizzen closed over the pan, though it requires adjustment due to wear, as it does not correctly hold the hammer in place.

The action works well, and as there is a half cock safety, the tumbler has no half cock position. The trigger folds out correctly, though it does need to be manually returned to the closed position. We are not sure if this is the way it was designed, or if there is a spring missing. The checkered wooden “bag” grip is lovely, with some carved designs near the receiver, and it also features 21 silver studs around the edge.

A lovely example, ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1780-1800
Caliber: about 0.48″
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Overall Length: 5 3/4 inches
Barrel Length: 1 3/8 inches
Action: Flintlock top 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.