Original Early 19th Century French Double Barrel 26 Bore Flintlock Pistol by Barbey of Paris - circa 1810

Original Item. Only One Available. This is a lovely French Double Barrel Flintlock pistol, made very much in the "Versailles" style, with a grip that flares out at the very bottom, and some lovely engraved iron fittings. This style was developed by famed gunsmith Nicolas-Noël Boutet, and they were very popular during the Napoleonic Period with French officers. Even after the wars were over, the style remained very popular.

This example is marked on the lock plates in French script with Barbey on the left and à Paris on the right. Claude Barbey (also recorded as Barbais and Barbay) was a known gunmaker operating in Paris between 1780 and 1815. We have seen several flintlock pocket pistols by this maker, as well as some slightly longer Flintlocks, such as this lovely pistol. It has 5 1/4 inch double smoothbore barrels in approximately 26 bore (0.564"), and measures 10 5/8 inches in overall length. The underside of the hooked breech barrel assembly does not show any markings.

The pistol has lovely matured iron mountings, which bear some great engraved foliate designs that really add to the look of the pistol. The side action locks also have some simple foliate engraving, which extends onto almost all lock components, including the lock screw. This pistol is definitely a well-executed example, most likely made for a well-heeled customer. Overall condition of the metalwork is very good, with the barrels showing a lovely gray patina, with a matured brown color to the other fittings, and no major oxidation or peppering present. We checked the functionality, and both locks hold correctly at half cock, firing only at full.

The walnut stock is checkered around the wrist and comes complete with a wooden ramrod, which is most likely a period replacement. It has the love curved Versailles-style grip that flares at the very end, and unlike others, it is not flat on the bottom, instead bearing a domed butt cap. There is a small brass escutcheon just below the engraved barrel tang, which is not marked.

A lovely example of an early 19th century French Double Barreled Flintlock pistol, ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1810
Caliber: about .56" - 26 Bore
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 5 1/4 inches
Overall Length: 10 5/8 inches
Action: Percussion Side Action Locks
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.