December 10-13, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/10/2024
For an identical example, see plate 23.PP on p. 254 of "Battle Weapons of the American Revolution" by George C. Neumann. The principal firearm of the Continental Light Dragoons and other American light horse was the horse pistol (carbines being always in short supply and actually withdrawn from the Light Dragoons by 1779), each trooper being armed with at least one. From 1777, the predominant pistol carried by the Continental horse became the brass-mounted, French Model 1763/76 (the iron-mounted examples being of French Revolutionary manufacture), which were being imported to the infant United States in large quantities from 1777 through the close of the war. This is an example of the scarcer Type II version of the 1773 pistol, produced only at St. Etienne between 1773 and 1775. Its round barrel is engraved "1775" on the tang; the breech is stamped "75" and bears three other St. Etienne touchmarks. The top is deeply engraved with issue markings not yet deciphered: "I . H : R - No 51". Flat lock with convex tail section and convex reinforced cock, center of lockplate inscribed "Manufactuer / de St. Etienne" and stamped with crown over "HR" government ownership mark. Standard brass furniture and walnut stock, stamped "S * E" and "SR" behind sideplate. CONDITION: Barrel retains a medium brown patina, markings very good. Lock is in its original flintlock configuration and functions well, markings excellent. Brass retains a mellow patina. Stock very good with some scattered marks from use and a minor age crack behind lock tail. Iron ramrod a marked original. A very clean example of a rare cavalry pistol model that was used in America during the Revolutionary War.