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 .61 inches, probably for a 1/2 inch ball. It has a lovely walnut stock with all Iron mountings, even the flash pan. 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.
The pistol is in overall very good condition, with a lovely patina of age. The lock functions correctly, holding at half cock and firing at full. There definitely is some wear and damage to the wood stock, not uncommon for a firearm that was in service for a long time. There are some splits in the wood near metal fittings, as well as some staining and patination on the metalwork. It does have a ramrod, but it looks to be a wooden working life replacement.
A Classic French Flintlock Pistol used by the Gendarmerie, ready to display!
Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: 1770
Caliber: about .61″ pistol
Ammunition Type: Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 5 inches
Overall Length: 10 inches
Action: Flintlock Side Action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded
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