Pair Of Officer's Pistols, Model 1816

Royal Manufactory of Maubeuge
First quarter of the 19th century

Steel, walnut, bronze, and whalebone
Overall length: 34 cm
Barrel length: 20 cm
Caliber: 17.1 mm

A rare and elegant pair of 1816-model flintlock officer’s pistols, crafted during the Restoration by the prestigious Royal Manufactory of Maubeuge.

The short, five-sided barrels retain numerous regulation markings visible on the sides as well as on the lower portion, attesting to particularly meticulous official military craftsmanship. The lock plates are engraved with “Manufacture Royale de Maubeuge” and also bear the hallmark of inspector Jean Nicaise Compas, identifiable by the crowned “C.”

The bronze fittings are beautifully crafted, with smooth caps and fan-shaped bands finished with bronze end caps. The checkered iron guard parts provide a refined contrast to the finely checkered walnut stocks, with their sloping grips characteristic of officers’ weapons from this period.

The caps bear the engraved initials “GB,” likely those of the officer who owned this pair—a particularly interesting detail that reinforces the set’s personal and historical character. This type of personal marking, common on officers’ weapons acquired privately during the Restoration, lends this pair added distinction as well as genuine collector’s appeal.

The set, uniform and perfectly balanced, stands out for its excellent condition as well as the presence of its original stocks. This pair elegantly illustrates the transition from Napoleonic firearms to those produced during the French Restoration.

Officer’s pistols of this quality, preserved as a pair and in such satisfactory condition, are today particularly sought after by both collectors of French service weapons and enthusiasts of 19th-century ceremonial weapons.

Condition:
Very good condition.
Mechanisms intact. Beautiful overall patina.