French pair of flintlockpistols of unknown origine

Philip · 1st May 2017, 05:06 AM

I agree on a later dating, most likely final third of the 18th cent., and possibly a few years into the 19th. The shape of the butts on this pair is very similar to that of the regulation-pattern Modele 1763 cavalry pistol, as is the presence of a double-throated cock (an example of this gun can be seen in POLLARD'S HISTORY OF FIREARMS, line drawing p 119). You can contrast the butt with the earlier, brass-shod bulbous shape that preceded it (a French example from the first half of the 18th cent. can be seen in POLLARD'S , no. 79 second from top on photoplate, p 109).

Not only the cock, but the lockplate configuration (rounded tail, flat ahead of the cock), and the shape of the priming-pan, are also seen on larger locks attached to regulation-pattern French muskets of the late 18th cent. into the Napoleonic era. Interestingly enough, the overall lock style also appears on US martial long guns and pistols into the 1830s, by virtue of France's role in arming the rebellious colonies and providing material assistance (such as factory tooling) after the Revolution.

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1st May 2017, 05:06 AM	#4
Philip Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: California Posts: 1,036	I agree on a later dating, most likely final third of the 18th cent., and possibly a few years into the 19th. The shape of the butts on this pair is very similar to that of the regulation-pattern Modele 1763 cavalry pistol, as is the presence of a double-throated cock (an example of this gun can be seen in POLLARD'S HISTORY OF FIREARMS, line drawing p 119). You can contrast the butt with the earlier, brass-shod bulbous shape that preceded it (a French example from the first half of the 18th cent. can be seen in POLLARD'S , no. 79 second from top on photoplate, p 109). Not only the cock, but the lockplate configuration (rounded tail, flat ahead of the cock), and the shape of the priming-pan, are also seen on larger locks attached to regulation-pattern French muskets of the late 18th cent. into the Napoleonic era. Interestingly enough, the overall lock style also appears on US martial long guns and pistols into the 1830s, by virtue of France's role in arming the rebellious colonies and providing material assistance (such as factory tooling) after the Revolution.