Cased Italian Replica French Modèle 1777 Flintlock Cavalry Pistol Presented to Congressman Barry Goldwater Jr. in 1976

Replica Presentation Item. One of a Kind. This is a very nice Italian-Made replica of the father of American single shot martial pistols, the French M-1777 Flintlock Cavalry Pistol. This was the pistol the U.S. company of "Simeon & North" copied to create the newly independent United States' first martial flintlock pistol. These pistols are very rare on the market, especially ones such as this that are still in the original flintlock configuration. Most that we have seen were converted to percussion in the mid 1800s.

This model of pistol was adopted to replace the earlier M-1763 cavalry pistol, which was much more traditional in design with a full wood stock. The M-1777 would go on to see service from the U.S. revolutionary war right through to the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte at the battle of waterloo in 1815. As originally produced, these pistols were brass mounted with wooden rear stock and a cast brass frame, with the trigger guard a separate casting. They also had an iron belt hook, which was retained by a mounting screw under the brass frame, with later examples removing it from the design.

This replica is based on the earliest production pattern, with the belt hook, and really is quite nice. Companies in Italy have long been making replica black powder pistols, and they are a great way to have a very nice example without the cost involved in finding an original. The pistol comes in a 16"L x 8 1/2"D x 3 1/2"H wooden case. lined in red fabric. There is a presentation plaque attached to the lid lining, which reads:

PRESENTED TO
CONGRESSMAN BARRY GOLDWATER JR
FOR HIS OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS
TO THE SHOOTING SPORTS
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CALIFORNIA RIFLE & PISTOL ASSOCIATION
JANUARY 24, 1976

At this time he was the Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from the 20th district of California, though we cannot find any particular reasons why he would have been presented with this pistol. As the son of Barry Goldwater, he was definitely well-known, but no where near as much as his father.

An interesting collector's item, ready to research and display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: 1970s
Caliber: .69" Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 7 3/8 inches
Overall Length: 13 1/4 inches
Action: Percussion Side Action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded