French Flintlock Pistol Signed "caze" In Toulouse, Circa 1800

Welcome to my shop.

A beautiful French flintlock pistol dating from around 1800, bearing the signature “Caze à Toulouse” on the lock. A richly decorated specimen, featuring gilded ornamentation on the barrel and fine metal-wire inlays in the wooden stock.

The barrel, which starts with a square shape and tapers to a round profile, ends in a fluted muzzle. Its decoration consists of scrolls, floral motifs, and a radiant sun. The barrel’s dark finish provides a striking contrast to the gilded details.

On the other side, the barrel bears the A C hallmark accompanied by crossed palms. This mark is associated with the civilian testing of barrels in Saint-Étienne around 1800. In the article “Test Marks on Civilian Firearms in Saint-Étienne since 1782,” the letters A C are tentatively interpreted as standing for “Armes du Commerce” (Commercial Arms). This interpretation has not been definitively established. The hallmark is consistent with the proposed date for this pistol.

The wooden frame and curved grip are adorned with fine inlays of silver-plated metal wires forming scrolls and stylized foliage. Steel fittings, a rounded metal cap, and a strip placed beneath the barrel complete the assembly.

The mechanism functions well. The pistol has a beautiful antique patina, with normal signs of age and use as well as small superficial pitting in places on the metal. No significant damage to report. The photographs are an integral part of the description.

Dimensions:
Total length: 24 cm
Barrel length: 12.1 cm
Total height: 12.2 cm
Inner barrel diameter: approximately 16 mm

A beautiful antique collector’s item, notable for its signature, hallmark, and rich decoration.

Article reference regarding the A C hallmark:
https://lapistole.com/GDAPoinconcivils.pdf

Thank you for visiting my shop. With warm regards, Ben.

Keywords: antique flintlock pistol, Caze in Toulouse, A C hallmark, Saint-Étienne, French pistol, circa 1800, crossed palms, metal wire inlays, decorated barrel, antique firearm, militaria.