Original Items: Only One Pair Available. This is an extraordinary matched pair of miniature over/under flintlock pocket pistols by Claude Niquet of Liège, dating to circa 1736. These are the same distinctive style of miniature double barrel turn-off pistols associated with examples used by Charles Edward Stuart, “Bonnie Prince Charlie,” although this pair has no direct provenance or attribution to him.

The pistols were recently featured and test fired on The Cache with Alex Cranmer which can be seen below:

Each pistol is approximately .24 caliber and fitted with a pair of 1 5/8 inch tapered, multi-stage cannon muzzle barrels arranged over and under. The steel barrels screw directly into the breech and can still be removed by hand.

The pistols use compact turn-off flintlock actions with flat faceted swan neck cocks, fenced faceted flash pans, and separate double triggers without triggerguards.

Beneath the pans, each pistol is signed:

CLAUDE NIQUET
A LIEGE

Claude Niquet is listed as a gunmaker working in Liège circa 1736, placing these pistols firmly within the early Georgian period.

The pistols are especially attractive because of their combination of steel frames and elaborately worked silver grip panels.

Much of the frame and grip surface is decorated with flowing foliate scroll engraving, accompanied by geometric and floral border work. The grip motifs terminate in highly stylized dragon or sea serpent heads, while the backstraps are engraved with striking demonic faces.

The cocks are engraved with matching geometric and feathered borders, continuing the decorative treatment found around the pans and lower portions of the frames.

Condition is very good considering their nearly three centuries of age. The steel has developed a dull gray patina with scattered surface oxidation and discoloration. The engraving and maker markings remain relatively crisp and clear.

Both pistols remain fully functional, with tight actions and strong springs.

The bores are heavily oxidized and moderately pitted, while all four barrels can still be unscrewed by hand.

Both pistols show some minor metal loss around the butts, together with small gaps between the frames and silver grip panels. There are also scattered dings, mars, and handling wear throughout.

The “Bonnie Prince Charlie” Connection

Charles Edward Stuart, better known as “Bonnie Prince Charlie,” was born in Rome in 1720 into the exiled Stuart royal family. He became the central figure in the final major attempt to restore the Stuarts to the British throne.

Pistols of this same miniature, silver mounted, over/under turn-off style are associated with Charles Edward Stuart and help illustrate the type of finely made personal firearm fashionable among wealthy and aristocratic owners during the first half of the 18th century.

This pair was made circa 1736, when Charles was still a young man living on the Continent, and is therefore contemporary with the world in which he was raised.

In 1745, Charles landed in western Scotland and launched the famous Jacobite Rising. His army achieved an early victory at the Battle of Prestonpans, advanced deep into England, and later won again at Falkirk Muir.

The campaign ended with the decisive Jacobite defeat at the Battle of Culloden in April 1746, effectively ending any realistic possibility of restoring the Stuart dynasty.

Charles subsequently spent months evading government forces in the Scottish Highlands before escaping to continental Europe. His rebellion, defeat, and dramatic escape helped transform him into one of the most romanticized figures in Scottish history.

He spent most of the remainder of his life in Europe, principally in Italy, and died in 1788.

There is no claim that this pair was owned, carried, or presented to Bonnie Prince Charlie. The historical connection is simply that they are the same highly distinctive style of miniature flintlock pistols associated with examples used by him.

Even without any personal attribution, this pair is exceptional. Their miniature proportions, silver mounted grips, over/under turn-off barrels, elaborate engraving, clear CLAUDE NIQUET / A LIEGE signatures, circa 1736 date, strong mechanical condition, and appearance on The Cache with Alex Cranmer make them a remarkable survival from the first half of the 18th century.

Specifications (both):
Maker: Claude Niquet, Liège
Date: Circa 1736
Caliber: Approximately .24 Inch
Barrel Configuration: Over/Under Double Barrel
Barrel Length: 1 5/8 Inches Each
Action: Flintlock
Barrel Type: Screw-Off / Turn-Off Cannon Muzzle
Triggers: Double, Without Triggerguards
Frame: Steel
Grip Panels: Silver
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique

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IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

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Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.