Original Item: Only One Available. This is a particularly handsome mid 18th century French flintlock belt pistol signed LEROUX on its unusual brass lock plate and À = TOULON on the brass barrel. Measuring approximately 12" overall, the pistol combines a two stage cannon form barrel, extensive brass furniture, decorative silver wire inlay, a substantial 4 3/4" iron belt hook, and a brass fitted iron ramrod. The quality of construction and decoration is quite high, while the Toulon signature gives the pistol an especially interesting association with one of France's most important Mediterranean port cities.

This is an antique black powder firearm manufactured before 1899. Under federal law, it may generally be owned within the United States without a special license or permit and does not require transfer through a Federal Firearms Licensee. However, state and local laws may vary. This firearm is sold solely as a historical collector’s item and has not been test fired or inspected for firing safety by a professional gunsmith. Any mechanical or bore observations provided below describe only its present condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the firearm is safe to load or fire. The purchaser is solely responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

The pistol is signed on the brass lock plate:

LEROUX

while the brass barrel is marked:

À = TOULON

identifying Toulon as the place associated with the maker or retailer. Toulon was one of France's principal Mediterranean naval and commercial ports throughout the 18th century and supported an active community of craftsmen connected with both military and private arms. We have not, however, independently established the precise identity or working dates of this particular Leroux, so the signature itself remains the strongest evidence for the attribution.

The pistol measures approximately 12" overall and is fitted with a 6 1/8" brass barrel. The barrel has an attractive two stage form, beginning round at the muzzle with a flared cannon style profile and raised ring immediately behind it, then transitioning toward the breech through faceted sections described as approximately sixteen sided and then eight sided.

The use of a brass barrel is one of the most visually distinctive features of the pistol. Together with the brass lock plate and matching furniture, it gives the entire arm a warm, richly aged appearance that contrasts attractively with the darker iron components.

The furniture is all brass and includes an especially ornate trigger guard. The butt cap has no projecting ears and instead extends a short distance up the rear of the grip, producing a clean and elegant profile consistent with French civilian and privately purchased pistols of the period.

Additional decoration is provided by silver wire inlay in the stock. A floral design is set into the wood beneath the barrel tang, with further wire inlay around the butt cap to accent the shape of the grip. These details give the pistol considerably more refinement than a plain military service arm.

Mounted to the left side of the stock is a substantial iron belt hook measuring approximately 4 3/4". This would have allowed the pistol to be carried conveniently at the belt or sash without a separate holster. Belt hooks are often encountered on military, naval, and traveling pistols of the period, although the presence of the hook alone does not establish a specific French Navy issue.

The pistol retains an iron ramrod beneath the barrel with a brass fitting at the end, complementing the extensive brass furniture.

The flintlock remains mechanically functional during manual inspection. It holds correctly at half cock and releases from full cock. These observations describe only its present mechanical condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the pistol is safe to load or fire.

Condition overall is lovely for an arm dating from the middle decades of the 18th century. The brass barrel, lock plate, trigger guard, butt cap, and other fittings have developed a rich and even matured patina, while the exposed iron components display an attractive gray oxidized surface.

The stock is likewise in very good condition. We do not see major structural damage or obvious significant repairs. The surviving silver wire decoration remains an especially appealing feature and gives the pistol considerable visual character.

With its signed LEROUX brass lock, À = TOULON barrel inscription, unusual brass cannon form barrel, extensive matching furniture, decorative silver wire inlay, long iron belt hook, and excellent overall presentation, this is a particularly appealing French flintlock pistol from the mid 18th century. Even without a confirmed biography for the individual Leroux who made or sold it, the clearly marked Toulon association, high quality construction, and distinctive materials make it an excellent addition to a collection of French arms, decorative flintlock pistols, maritime associated weapons, or 18th century European firearms.

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1760
Maker: Leroux of Toulon
Caliber: .59" Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 6 1/8 inches
Overall Length: 12 inches
Action: Percussion Side Action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

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.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

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.