Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original 18th century Spanish miquelet flintlock officer belt pistol made in the Ripoll tradition of Catalonia. The lock is signed TORRENTO for Pere Torrento of Ripoll, while the barrel bears a partially obscured Spanish punzón touchmark attributed to Eudald Molas. The pistol measures approximately 13 1/4" overall and is fitted with a 7 5/8" two stage smoothbore cannon form barrel of approximately .68 caliber, or about 15 bore. It retains a steel belt hook, carved full stock, engraved brass mounts, silver inlay, and distinctive nickel alloy grotesque mask decoration.

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.

Ripoll was one of the principal gunmaking centers of Catalonia and became known for distinctive miquelet lock firearms with richly decorated barrels, stocks, and metal fittings. This example displays many of the characteristics associated with that regional tradition, including its external mainspring miquelet lock, sculpted stock, cannon form barrel, engraved brass furniture, and ornamental inlay.

The lower portion of the lock is signed:

TORRENTO

for Pere Torrento of Ripoll, an early 18th century gunsmith associated with the region.

The barrel carries a partially damaged Spanish punzón touchmark that appears to have originally incorporated a crown above lettering consistent with:

(Crown)
[EUD.]
MO
LAS

The upper portion of the mark is now largely obliterated, while the lower lines remain more legible. Based on the surviving elements, the barrel is attributed to Eudald Molas of Ripoll. Because the mark is incomplete and deformed, this attribution is retained as probable rather than absolute.

The pistol measures approximately:

13 1/4" overall
7 5/8" barrel

The smoothbore barrel measures approximately .68" at the bore, corresponding roughly to 15 bore. It is of two stage construction, with an octagonal breech transitioning to a round forward section and terminating in a cannon style muzzle.

The upper flats of the octagonal breech display silver inlaid vine decoration. Additional ornament is present around the transition from octagonal to round and near the cannon form muzzle, giving the barrel a particularly refined appearance.

The brass furniture is both engraved and embossed. Distinctive nickel alloy grotesque mask mounts are fitted to the trigger guard bow and butt cap, adding to the pistol’s ornate character. Relief carving surrounds several of the stock fittings, while a steel belt hook is mounted along the left side.

A wooden ramrod remains present beneath the barrel and appears period to the pistol.

The Spanish miquelet lock, of the patilla type, is fitted with the characteristic external mainspring and upright frizzen configuration. The cock has a ring at the top jaw, consistent with this lock style.

The lock currently holds at half cock and releases from full cock. The mainspring is notably strong. These observations describe only the present mechanical condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the pistol is safe to load or fire.

The barrel has developed a smooth aged polished patina, while the brass furniture has mellowed to an attractive warm tone. The iron and steel components show an overall mottled patina with scattered light oxidation, peppering, and staining.

The stock remains in very good condition and retains strong grain and relief carving. No major cracks, repairs, or other structural deficiencies are noted.

With its signed TORRENTO miquelet lock, barrel attributed to Eudald Molas, Ripoll style construction, 15 bore cannon form barrel, silver inlay, grotesque mask mounts, steel belt hook, and intact carved stock, this is a particularly decorative Spanish officer belt pistol. The partially obscured barrel touchmark, scattered oxidation, and strong mainspring are all fully disclosed. It would fit especially well in a Spanish miquelet, Ripoll gunmaking, 18th century officer sidearm, or advanced European flintlock collection.

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: 1780
Caliber: .68" pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 7 5/8 inches
Overall Length: 13 1/4 inches
Action: Miquelet Flintlock Side Action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique

History of the Miquelet Lock:
Miquelet lock is a modern term used by collectors and curators, largely in the English-speaking world, for a type of firing mechanism used in muskets and pistols. It is a distinctive form of snaplock, originally as a flint-against-steel ignition form, once prevalent in Spain, Portugal, Italy, the Balkans, North Africa, Ottoman Empire and throughout Spain's colonies from the late 16th to the mid 19th centuries.

The term miquelet lock was not recorded until the 19th century, long after the appearance of the mechanism in the 16th century, and is of uncertain origin. One commonly held view is that it was coined by British troops in the Peninsular War to describe the style of musket used by the Miquelet (militia) that had been assigned to the Peninsular Army of the Duke of Wellington.

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 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.