Original French Silver Mounted Flintlock Pocket Pistol with Gold Inlaid Barrel & Safety “Dog” on Hammer – circa 1740 Original Items

Original Item: One of a Kind. Very striking, this small sidelock flintlock pistol is beautifully mounted in solid silver carved mounts of Long Eared butt cup with a Cameo type mask finial. It bears deeply embossed mountings of a silver trigger guard, side plate, and ramrod pipes. It even still retains its silver tipped wooden ramrod. The fine walnut stock is also carved with flowers behind the barrel tang.

Typically French in design, the maker’s name is no longer visible, possibly due to the wear to the gold inlay on the barrel. Gold inlay is also evident on the Cock and the rear of the lock plate. Lock is fitted with a small “Dog” Safety catch engaging the cock between half cock and full cock to allow safe carriage in a coat pocket whilst being fully loaded.

The pistol is equipped with a 3 1/2 inch barrel and has an overall length of just 6 3/4 inches, making it very easy to conceal in just about any pocket. The bore measures out to about .51 inches, probably for a 1/2 inch ball. We checked the lock, and it functions, however the safety dog is worn, so it does not prevent the pistol from firing at half or full cock. Overall condition is just lovely, with a great worn look on the silver appointments. The stock shows some wear, but no cracks or other major damage.

A Classic Upmarket French Flintlock Pocket Pistol with some lovely appointments. Dating to approximately 1740, this is more than ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1740
Caliber: about .50″ pistol
Ammunition Type: Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 3 1/8 inches
Overall Length: 6 3/4 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.