Original French Revolution Era Iron Mounted Gendarme Flintlock Pistol by Maubeuge Arsenal c. 1790 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a small Flintlock pistol from the French Revolution Era, as carried (in a large pocket) by French Gendarmes (Policemen) during the late 1700s and early 1800s. These were standard issue during “The Terror” following the formation of the First French Republic, and stayed in service for thirty or so years, until the end of Napoleon’s First Empire.

The pistol is equipped with a 5 inch barrel and has an overall length of just 10 inches, making it very easy to conceal and maneuver. The bore measures out to about .63 inches, probably for a 1/2 inch ball. It has a lovely walnut stock with all Iron mountings, except for the flash pan, which is brass. This style was introduced with the Modèle 1777 “Charleville” musket, and was then carried out with the issue pistols as well. The lock plate is still clearly marked Maubeuge Manuf. N., for manufacture at the government arsenal located in Maubeuge, France, today along the Northern border with Belgium. There are some faded markings on the barrel and fittings, one of which is IX, the Roman numeral 9, which was 1800 in the French Revolutionary calendar. We do not know if this is a manufacture date, or indicates a modification in that date.

The pistol is in overall good condition, with a lovely patina of age. The lock functions correctly, holding at half cock and firing at full, though it can be a bit finicky. The metalwork shows age and long service, especially the nose band, which looks to have been repaired at some point, or may even be a brazed together sheet iron replacement. The wood is in good condition, though there are definitely some repaired cracks we can see, and it has been refinished. It does have a ramrod, but it looks to be a wooden working life replacement.

A Classic French Flintlock Pistol used by the Gendarmerie with a lovely patina of age, ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1790
Caliber: about .63″ pistol
Ammunition Type: Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 5 inches
Overall Length: 10 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.