Carabiner Mle 1774

Extremely rare Mle 1774 rod carabiner.
Round body plate engraved "Manufacture de St Etienne" and hallmarked with HB under the crown of Honoré Blanc, checker of plates at St Etienne from 1763 to 1774 and more broadly a pioneer in the interchangeability of parts. Iron bascinet with firewall, upturned foot.
Round barrel carrying two sides with the thunder, punched palms of the proofhouse of St Etienne surmounted by a fleur-de-lys and a crown dated 74 for 1774. Tail of breech engraved 1774.
The stock is in walnut. Counter-plate side the butt bears the marks of reception of the finished weapon. HB of the controller under fleur-de-lys, surmounted by the initials of the inspector under crown.
All fittings are brass and hallmarked BF. The counter-plate is round-bodied. The grenadière is double band retained by a pivot spring. The mouthpiece, also retained by a pivot spring, has a very pronounced beak. The rod is held by a screw on the overcab and by the rear screw of the counter plate.
This carabiner is in excellent condition for its age and in a very nice patina. The wood has retained its grain. The markings remain very fresh.