*French, c1778-1783, Napoleonic, 1st Type Model 1777 Cavalry Flintlock Pistol “dit a coffre”, Complete with Steel Belt Hook, Obsolete Calibre and Deactivated*
Marked “Charleville” on the lock
Serial number “6559” Marked underneath on the brass trigger mount and etched into the barrel on the left.
An early 19th-century French military flintlock pistol, in use from Louis XVI to the early Empire period, aimed to replace the 1763 model. The M.1777 was a radical design, especially for the times, incorporating an a “coffre” or “box/chest lock” mechanism totally enclosed within its brass frame. Approximately 80,000 were produced between 1777 and 1792 before being succeeded by the IX pistol. Marked with the manufacturing arsenal name ‘Charleville’, it was crafted in the factories of St Etienne, Charleville, and Maubeuge. Featuring a brass-mounted 3/4 length walnut stock with iron and brass fittings, it sports standard military issue brass butt-cap, trigger guard, and frame, along with a rare steel belt hook and nail head wand. This model of flintlock pistol is scarce, with a barrel length of around 7.5 inches and a caliber of approximately .69 cal, measuring approximately 13 inches overall.
Two types of the Model 1777 were produced. The first type, manufactured from 1778 to 1783, featured a belt hook attached by a screw to the trunk, a smaller trigger guard, round thunder, and an unpierced nail-headed wand. The dragons, who typically carried only one pistol, wore it on their belt, rendering the hook less useful for riders with a pair of pistols. The second type, produced from 1783 to 1784, lacked the hook, had a three-sided thunder, and an enlarged trigger guard suitable for riders wearing leather gloves, along with a pierced pear-type wand.
Numerous French-manufactured military Flintlocks were imported into the U.S.A. during the 18th and 19th centuries, notably supplied during the War of Independence, with around 500 brought by Lafayette. Copies of the 1777 model, such as the famous 1799 North & Cheney, were created. These firearms saw extensive use during the Revolutionary Wars in the U.S. and the Napoleonic Peninsula campaigns in Europe from approximately 1808 to 1815. This heavy-caliber flintlock pistol was favored by various military personnel, including infantry, naval personnel, and cavalry officers, and may have seen action at significant battles like Waterloo on June 18th, 1815. Notably, this particular French military pistol is highly sought after by collectors.
*Condition*
Excellent used condition. There are no proof or date markings. Action in good working order. Deactivated by three holes drilled to barrel. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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