Original French Ornate Flintlock Blunderbuss Pistol named to Famous Privateer Robert Surcouf with Gold Inlaid Barrel c. 1800 Original Items

Original Item: One of a Kind. Here we have a lovely late 18th or early 19th Century French flintlock blunderbuss pistol, named to the famous privateer and slave trader Robert Surcouf. He was very successful in the Indian Ocean, bringing his prizes to Isle de France, today known as Mauritius, and received rewards from the French Government. The pistol is clearly named with gold inlay on the top of the barrel:

CAPITAINE
ROBERT SURCOUF
ST. MALO

Born in and later based at Saint-Malo in Brittany, Surcouf lived from 1773 – 1827. A major thorn in the side of the British Royal Navy, he is credited with taking over 40 prizes during his personal crusade against Great Britain. In October 1800 he captured the “East Indiaman” Kent, for which the French Revolutionary government awarded him the “Legion of Honour”. After this he “settled down” as a ship owner, and managed a number or privateer ships. Extensive write ups on Surcouf can be found on Wikipedia and elsewhere. He died in retirement in 1827 and is buried in Saint-Malo. A real French national hero!!!

The French blunderbuss pistol itself is 9 1/2″ barrel, 17″ in overall length, with a fabulously chiseled and carved wooden stock. It is made very much in the Mediterranean style, very popular at the time, even though most of his victories were in the Indian Ocean. The metalwork is all engraved, embossed, and otherwise decorated. There is a cast brass decorative escutcheon on the back of the wrist, and lots of silver wire inlay below it.

Condition is great, with the expected wear from long age and use. There is some oxidation to the iron components, as is to be expected for a pistol of this age. Still, the lock works correctly, holding at half cock, and firing at full.

A magnificent French maritime themed Pirate’s pistol. None better!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1790-1800
Caliber: Blunderbuss about 1″ at the muzzle
Ammunition Type: Ball / shot & Powder
Barrel Length: 9 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 17 inches
Action: Flintlock Side Action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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