Original Circa 1680 French Jean Paul Cleft Engraved Revolving Four Barrel Flintlock Pistol – As Seen on History Channel Pawn Stars
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This very pistol was featured and test fired on an episode of History Channel's Pawn Stars in November 2026. You can watch it on the episode below:
You can also watch the episode at this link.
Original Item. One of a Kind. This is an exceptionally rare French revolving four barrel flintlock pistol made circa 1680 by Jean Paul Cleft, a gunmaker active in Grenoble, France, during the second half of the 17th century. Cleft is known for producing unusual swivel and revolving barrel firearms using a single shared lock.
The pistol has four 14-inch massive manually rotated barrels arranged around a central axis. The breech is released to rotate the barrels by pulling back on the brass trigger guard. Each barrel is brought into firing position beneath the shared flintlock mechanism. A thin iron rod with an attached spring is fitted between the barrels and forms part of the barrel assembly.
The lock is signed:
Jean Paul
Cleft
Both the lock and brass furniture are decorated with floral and scroll engraving. The brass escutcheon bears a coronet above an unidentified coat of arms featuring four standing lions, suggesting that the pistol may originally have been commissioned for an aristocratic owner. The stock is further embellished with raised relief carving around the barrel tang.
The pistol is in very good overall condition for its considerable age. The barrels and lock have developed a mostly gray patina, with scattered oxidation, minor pitting and moderate wear. The brass furniture displays a pleasing aged patina, while the engraved decoration remains distinct. The stock exhibits dents, scratches but the raised carving remains crisp.
The mechanism functions correctly, and the revolving barrel assembly is fully functional with a release by pulling back the trigger guard.
Most notably, all four barrels were successfully test fired by IMA President and Pawn Stars firearms expert Alex Cranmer during filming for The History Channel in 2026. This historic test firing confirmed that each barrel and the shared lock functioned at that time.
An extraordinary example of late 17th century European firearms ingenuity, combining an unusual repeating concept with extensive engraving, heraldic decoration and documented modern television history.
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.
Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1680
Place of Manufacture: Grenoble, France
Maker Jean Paul Cleft
Action Type: Flintlock
Barrel Configuration: Four revolving barrels
Barrel Length: 14 Inches
Caliber .48"
Feed System: Individually 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.
- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey, and New York
This product is available for international shipping.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in most jurisdictions, antique firearms are legal to own and are generally not subject to the same regulatory requirements as modern firearms. Under U.S. federal law, any firearm manufactured on or before December 31, 1898, is classified as an antique firearm and is not considered a firearm under the Gun Control Act of 1968. As such, no federal license or FFL (Federal Firearms License) transfer is required for purchase or possession. Antique firearms may be legally shipped to most U.S. states and to over 25 countries worldwide via UPS, subject to applicable shipping and import/export restrictions. Please note: Firearms laws vary by country, state, and locality, and are subject to change. It is your responsibility to consult with local law enforcement or a qualified legal professional to ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations in your area.
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