Original French Modèle 1777 Brass Frame Flintlock Cavalry Pistol by St.-Étienne Arsenal Circa 1785 - Missing Belt Hook

Original item. Only One Available. This is a very nice example 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. The lock area has a brazed on integral brass flash pan, with an iron frizzen and pan cover. Early examples such as this were produced with an iron belt hook, which was retained by a mounting screw under the brass frame, but later production pistols did not have them. Most M-1777 pistols encountered today were manufactured without the belt hook, or had the hook removed during the period of use. This example was made with the belt hook, however it was removed long ago, and now only the inlet and screw hole remain, along with an impression on the wooden grip.

This example is marked St. Étienne on the brass frame under the hammer, indicating production at the Royal arsenal located in Saint-Étienne, France. The frame is also marked with a CROWN / L proof mark over the frizzen spring, which we have seen on other examples from this arsenal. Unfortunately due to oxidation and wear, the markings on the barrel that would have indicated the model and date have been removed, and we can only see traces of proof markings on the left hand side of the barrel.

The pistol is in very good used condition, and as with most we have seen there is a good amount of past oxidation and peppering on the iron and steel components, which in this case was cleaned away, leaving a matte gray patina on these. The brass components are still in great shape, with a lovely aged patina and no signs of major cleaning. The wooden stock is in very good shape, showing dents and scratches, but no cracks or repairs. The original iron ramrod is still present under the barrel, and has the correct threads on the end. We checked the lock, and it is fully functional, holding at half cock and firing only at full.

A very nice unconverted example of the inspiration for many early U.S. pistol designs. Ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1785
Caliber: .68" Pistol - Worn to about .694"
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 7 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 13 1/2 inches
Action: Percussion 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.