October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/23/2019
For another example with the same markings, see number 124 on pages 260-261 of "Historic Pistols" by Samuel E. Smith and Edwin W. Bitter. All French pistols were made in Canton, Massachusetts between 1810 and 1815 and were used in the War of 1812. The round barrel is deeply stamped with an eagle's head over "P" cartouche over the breech, as well as small "W.N.Y.", which is the mark of the Washington Navy Yard. It is believed that this mark was put on when the pistol was converted to percussion. The flat lockplate has a molding at the tail and beveled edges; in the center there is a stamped eagle over "US" in an oval, below that it is stamped "T. FRENCH". The brass furniture is similar to that on the North Berlin pistols, including a flat, long, serpentine sideplate. The full length walnut stock is stamped behind the sideplate with traces of the marking "MARSH / MA / V", which is believed to be that of an inspector at the Washington Navy Yard at the time they were converted to percussion. The pistol has a bag grip. Complete with a replaced ramrod. CONDITION: Barrel retains an applied brown finish and shows some scattered marks. Lock retains a matching applied brown finish with some wear to eagle marking and some scattered denting. The lock has been professionally reconverted to flintlock configuration. Stock shows heavy marks from use, a couple minor repairs around the lockplate, and some minor cracks. Brass retains a mellow patina. The belt hook mounted on the left side is a contemporary replacement. DMG
Caliber/Bore
.67 Smoothbore