April 11-13, 2023 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/12/2023
This pattern of pistol would serve as the template for the North and Cheney 1799 pistol, America's first martial pistol, and were commonly sent to American soldiers by the French during the Revolutionary War. Round iron barrel with offset trumpet headed ramrod (replaced) that feeds directly into action. Converted to percussion via drum conversion and new dolphin form cock. "St. Etienne" in half moon underneath the cock, "(Crown) / L" proof on action. Brass action housing (with vacant belt hook slot) and trigger guard, with guard affixed by pair of screws. Flat trigger. Brass buttcap and iron backstrap. Interestingly, the gun is engraved "Seveille" on trigger guard; possible association with Claude Victor-Perrin's arrival in 1810? CONDITION: Very good. Barrel is mostly chocolate patina with some flashes of dove grey towards muzzle and left side of barrel, near action. Brass a deep rich patina, somewhat lighted in protected areas and front strap where rubbed by hand. Iron backstrap essentially a chocolate patina, exposed section of ramrod patinated but protected area bright metal. Stock and action with extensive handling and use marks throughout, including some areas of what appears to be attempted chemical cleaning. Mechanically fine, bore is very good with a minimum of oxidation, mostly towards muzzle. A nice example.
Caliber/Bore
.70 Smoothbore