May 17, 2022 Early Arms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/17/2022
The tapering, rounded barrel of 7 - 7/16" length and .72 bore, with a proofmark “P” and “82” stamped on the left side near the breech, the latter indicating a 1782 date of manufacture. Cast-brass lock with attached trigger guard assembly, bearing an engraved “Mabeuge” in an inward arc below the steel, reinforced cock, and an inspection mark behind the pan. There is a similar inspection mark on the outside of the trigger guard and the walnut stock has a “7 B” incised on the right grip. Maubeuge being one of three royal manufactories of firearms during the Revolutionary War period. The Model 1777 pistol was designed for dual-use, both by French cavalry and also as a naval boarding pistol and its advanced design was the inspiration for the US’s first martial pistol, the North & Cheney—a near direct copy. CONDITION: The iron parts all bright finished, with a few scattered blemishes or specks of pitting, the lock in very good working order. The brass mountings with mellow toning and a few light dings, the wood with a few small bruises. The pistol has all original parts, with the exception of the belt hook, which is probably a later replacement. JLK
Caliber/Bore
.72 Smoothbore