December 13-15, 2022 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/14/2022
This pattern of pistol would serve as the template for the North and Cheney 1799 pistol, America's first martial pistol, and they were commonly sent to American soldiers by the French during the Revolutionary War. This example was made at the Maubeuge arsenal. Round iron barrel with offset trumpet headed ramrod that feeds directly into action. Reinforced military cock with rounded pan. "Maubeuge" in half moon underneath the cock. Brass action housing and trigger guard, with guard affixed by pair of screws, and belt hook attaching just behind the flat trigger. Brass buttcap and iron backstrap. Visible French proof on action, just above frizzen spring. Faint "MVA83" visible on right side of stock, the V barely discernible, . "I / C (?, looks like a tailed C)" on inside of trigger guard, V proof on exterior of trigger guard. "82" visible offset over breech. Barrel and stock appear to have been period married as the dates are different but have clearly been together for a long time, possibly a field repair. CONDITION: Very good. Barrel and belt hook have an even light chocolate patina, with some light freckling towards muzzle and around touchhole. Brass of action a rich gold coloration, with trigger guard and buttcap somewhat darker. Iron backstrap essentially a chocolate patina. Exposed section of ramrod commensurate with barrel and hook, but protected area is bright metal. Stock is very good with handling and use marks throughout, including a few scrapes, and a extra layer of varnish that has filled in some spots. One crack on left side under belt hook. Maubeuge pistols are fairly scarce, as St. Etienne and Charleville each manufactured more copies. EMW