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

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 still has the hook, properly secured by a large iron screw inside the trigger guard.

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, though there is an 88 stamped, which could be part of an 1788 date. There is also a CROWN / R / M marking on the left facet of the barrel.

The pistol is in very good used condition, and as with most we have seen there is a good amount of staining and oxidation on the iron / steel components, while the brass is still in great shape, with a lovely polished patina. We did note that there is still a good amount of bluing on the barrel near the the breech. The wooden stock is in very good shape, showing dents and scratches, but no cracks or repairs. It looks to have had some type of finish applied in the past, which is partly retained, and flaking away in areas. We had considered removing it, but it is part of the history of the pistol, and recommend it be left alone. There is an iron ramrod still present under the barrel, however it looks to be a fabricated replacement, and is not quite a long as it should be. We checked the lock, and it does work, but a strong trigger pull will cause it to discharge at half cock.

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

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