Original French Single Shot Swivel Breech Loading Percussion Pistol by Le Page of Paris – circa 1845 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a very nice French “capping breech loader” pistol, made by one of the most well-known names in French bespoke firearms. The top of the smoothbore octagonal barrel still bears relatively clear script markings:

Inv’on Le Page arq’er du Roi

This is the abbreviation for Invention Le Page arquebusier du Roi, or “Invented by Le Page, Arms Supplier to the King”. Le Page of Paris is a legendary French firearms manufacturer (arquebusier and fourbisseur) established in Paris in 1716. Founded by Louis Pigny, the company remained in the same family until 1913. Throughout its history, the manufacturer was successively called Pigny, Le Page, Le Page Moutier, and finally settled on Fauré Le Page in 1865. This company was unique in it’s ability to become the official supplier to the NUMEROUS successive governments of France during the many revolutions and changes that took place during the 18th and 19th centuries. The company still exists today.

The pistol measures 13 inches overall, with a 8 3/8 inch barrel that swivels out for loading when the button on the bottom is pressed. There is a short chamber at the end of the barrel, so it appears to have been designed for some type of pre-packaged charge. Overall the metalwork on the pistol displays a polished bright steel patina, with signs of page oxidation and peppering that have been cleaned away. The bore is smooth, and shows light wear, but no major oxidation. We checked the lock, and it is functional but the tumbler is worn, so it will fire at both full and half cock.

The pistol has a very nice “birds head” grip, which is quite comfortable, and looks to be made from walnut. It shows wear from service, and does show a repaired crack on the lower right, with both scales also missing chunks at the bottom, which is very common.

A very interesting early breech loading design from a legendary French maker, ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1845
Bore Diameter: 0.62″
Ammunition Type: Cap with Breech Loaded Cartridge
Barrel Length: 8 3/8 inches
Overall Length: 13 inches
Action: Back Action Percussion
Feed System: Single Shot

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.