Flintlock Pistol, Model 1777, Type 2 - France - Louis XVI Period

Flintlock pistol, Model 1777, 2nd type
France
Louis XVI period
Steel, brass, wood
Overall length: 34; Barrel length: 18.8 cm
Calibre: 17.1 mm

Hexagonal-fluted barrel at the muzzle, then round and smooth.
Flintlock mechanism.
Heart-shaped hammer with a straight crest.
Brass receiver, engraved ‘St Etienne’ and marked with a crowned ‘L’ for the finished-weapons inspector Lambert, who served from 1784 to 1792.
Brass fittings.
Walnut stock.
Inspection hallmarks.

During the production period of the 1777 model, the inspection staff at the Saint-Étienne armoury comprised the following inspectors: D’Agoult (1777–1781), Rouvroy (1781–1786) and De l’Espinasse (1786–1792); for the finished-weapon inspector: Boulanger (1763–1782) and Lambert (1784–1792); for the barrel-testing inspector: Berthéas (1777–1785) and Merley (1785–1792); for the platinum inspector: Lambert (1777–1784) and Javille (1784–1792); for the barrel inspector: Merley (1778–1885) and Lyonnot (1785–1792), for the fittings inspector: Javille (1777–1784) and Piney (1784–1792).

The Saint-Etienne factory produced a total of 28,908 examples.

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON

This collector’s firearm is, in accordance with Article L311-2 of the Internal Security Code, classified as a Category D collector’s firearm. There are no restrictions on its acquisition or possession. Please note that its sale to minors is prohibited.