May 18, 2021 Early Arms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/18/2021
This pistol is certainly a Revolutionary War period American assembled piece, crudely made by an untrained gunsmith or individual out of necessity. The early French barrel has a 9" faceted section with the remainder round and line engraved just behind the muzzle. Left top flat is deeply stamped with a fleur-de-lis. The lock is from a French Model 1763 musket and is inscribed "Charleville" in the center below a crown over "N". The iron furniture includes a 1763 Charleville musket trigger guard with the sling stud filed down and the rear tang shortened. The sideplate is also from a 1763 and is stamped "IB". The pommel cap is iron and appears to be American. The cherry stock is of crude form and once had a 1/2" band securing the stock to the muzzle at the tip of the forend. Later, probably during the period of extended use, steel wire, slightly farther back, replaced the original band. The stock has relief panels around the lock and sideplate, flutes on each side of the trigger guard, and a double relief border around the barrel tang. Ramrod is probably a later replacement and tip is painted red. CONDITION: Pistol is untouched and as found in attic condition. All iron components retain a dark, heavy patina. Lock is well-marked and in its original flintlock configuration. Mechanism is very strong. Stock is dry and shows losses above lock tang and at tip of forend on left side. A very nice and unique American Revolutionary War pistol. DMG