Item Description
Original items: One of a Kind Pair. This is a fantastic set of mid highly decorated 18th Century French pistols, dating to approximately 1750. Originally produced in a flintlock configuration, these fine pistols were later updated to use the percussion ignition system during the early 19th century, which was a far more reliable system. That also indicates that this lovely set of pistols was still in use, probably passed down through the family over time, as would be expected with pistols of this quality.
The pistols have some fantastic gold inlay on the 8 inch long part octagonal cannon barrels, which measure about 0.63" in bore. There are some engraved designs to help highlight the gold, and the front sights appear to be tarnished silver. The rest of the pistol bears lovely polished steel mountings, including lovely "long eared" butt caps with gold highlighted floral end caps.
The lock plates still show areas where the frizzen and spring were attached, and also still are faintly marked with the well-known French maker:
Joseph Lamotte ...
... Laine
This is a known maker from the mid 18th Century in France, and they are most correctly known as Joseph Lamotte L'ainé à Saint-Étienne, or Joseph Lamotte The Elder of Saint Étienne. We have found numerous other examples of their work, including several with the same type of gold inlaid barrels. They were quite highly regarded at the time, and their works are highly desirable today.
The stock is made from beautiful burl wood, probably some type of walnut, and has carved embellishments around most of the fittings. Around the barrel tang are carved floral designs, though these are a bit worn, with some damage to the stock from service. The rest of the wood on the stocks is in great shape, showing some wear in places, and what look to be some repairs near the muzzle end.
The metalwork on the pistol is in very good shape, polished to a lovely bright steel, with some areas of oxidation around the butt caps and ramrod pipes. We checked the lock action, and one pistol works great, holding at half cock and firing at full, while the other will fire at half cock, and the trigger has a bit of play in it. Both still have their original iron fitted ramrods, however the example with the lock issues has the rod stuck, possibly due to an end fitting. We did not attempt to force it out to avoid damage.
A fantastic pair of mid 18th Century French pistols by a very well-regarded maker, originally produced in flintlock but converted to percussion in the 19th Century. Just a great honest pair of upmarket pistols that saw long service. Ready to research and display!
Specifications (Both):-
Year of Manufacture: circa 1750
Caliber: .63" Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 8 inches
Overall Length: 14 inches
Action: Flintlock 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.
- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey
This product is available for international shipping.
IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.
These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.
Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
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