December 13-15, 2022 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/14/2022
This pistol is quite unusual, as it has a British barrel, while the hardware and lock are French. In the mid-18th century during the French and Indian War, when this pistol was likely made, the British and French were enemies at war. This fact makes the pistol unusual. The swamped brass barrel is stamped on the breech with private London proof marks and a crown over "JH" for maker Joseph Heylin, circa 1757, when he was working at the Cornhill address. Top flat of barrel engraved "HEYLIN CORNHILL LONDON". The French lockplate is convex, center inscribed "Boudiec Bourdeaux" for maker Jacques Bourdiec, circa 1761, according to "Der Stockel". The plain silver furniture is in the classic French taste and right stirrup of pommel cap is stamped with 3 French hallmarks. Inside of trigger guard bow also deeply hallmarked. The walnut stock features relief rococo scrolls around the barrel tang and between the ramrod entry ferrule and trigger guard finial. Cameo carving around trigger guard and relief moldings along ramrod channel and along portion of barrel. Complete with its original ivory-tipped wooden ramrod. CONDITION: Barrel retains a pleasing mustard patina, stamped proofs very good, markings on top legible but show some wear. Lock retains a grey patina and is in its original flintlock configuration. Lock functions well and markings are excellent. Silver mounts have a polished surface. Stock retains a pleasing patina, some scattered marks from use, small repair at tip of forend. A beautiful silver mounted, brass-barreled French and Indian War officer's pistol. DMG
Caliber/Bore
.65 Smoothbore