Late 18th Century Model 1770 Military/Police Flintlock Pistol Manufactured In Charleville

With all mounts made of steel and its walnut stock, this is a surprisingly heavy and solid pistol for its size.

The lock is in bright steel and engraved "Manufacture de Charleville".

The barrel tang is stamped 1770 and there is an engraving along the top of the round 5" barrel but it is very worn indeed, possibly  "Mfe Charleville", but it takes a fair amount of imagination to get that!

There is a capital A stamped elsewhere on the steelwork, which is probably an inspection stamp.

The mainspring is good and the action works well in half and full position.

The woodwork is sound, but it definitely has had a few knocks and bumps and there is an old repaired split where the nail type ramrod goes into the stock.  There is also a repaired sliver in front of the lock where originally there would have been a metal clip for the barrel band, and although the band is tight, this has been replaced with wood.

Although the metalwork is smooth it is covered with staining which gives the piece a weather worn patina overall.

It's definitely been through the wars (literally), but remains a good solid piece of French History with plenty of details.

Barrel length 12.5cm, Overall length 25cm.

This antique pistol is considered obsolete and non functioning, and is sold as a collectable ornamental item. This product is available for purchase in the UK without a license