Original Item: Only One Available. This is a particularly attractive early double barreled flintlock pocket pistol dating to approximately 1690-1710, with finely figured walnut, extensive relief carving, and period style iron furniture. Measuring just 7 1/4" overall, it is remarkably compact for such an early double barreled arm. Although no maker's name, proof, or identifying inscription could be located, the long eared iron butt cap, carved stock architecture, and overall styling are consistent with French gunmaking traditions of the late 17th and very early 18th centuries. The combination of two independent flintlocks, twin .41" smoothbore barrels, richly figured wood, and restrained iron mountings gives this diminutive pistol exceptional visual presence.

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.

Double barreled flintlock pistols were highly specialized arms during the late 17th and early 18th centuries, when producing two compact barrels and two complete lock mechanisms in a single pistol required considerably more craftsmanship than a conventional single barreled arm. French gunmakers of the period were particularly noted for finely shaped walnut stocks, carved moldings, raised aprons around the barrel tang, and iron furniture with long spurs or ears extending into the stock. Surviving French pistols from around 1690-1720 show many of these same decorative and architectural traditions.

This pistol measures approximately 7 1/4" overall and is fitted with a double barrel assembly measuring approximately 3". The two barrels are joined along a central rib or strap and are fully round, tapering gently from the breech toward the muzzle.

Both bores measure approximately:

0.41"

at the muzzle.

No maker's name, proof mark, ownership inscription, or other identifiable marking could be located on the pistol. We therefore cannot attribute it to a specific French gunsmith, town, or workshop. Its national attribution and approximate date are based on the construction, furniture, stock architecture, and decorative style rather than a signed maker's mark.

The pistol is fitted with two independent flintlock mechanisms. Both locks are complete and mechanically active during inspection. Neither, however, holds correctly at half cock, an important mechanical condition issue that is disclosed exactly as observed.

The iron furniture has developed a deeply aged oxidized patina with evidence of light past peppering. We do not see major active rust or extensive deep pitting. The surfaces appear to have been gently cleaned at various times during the pistol's long history, but they retain considerable age and character.

The long eared iron butt fitting is particularly characteristic of the decorative vocabulary seen on European pistols around the turn of the 18th century. Rather than relying on elaborate silver or brass mounts, this pistol uses comparatively restrained iron fittings that place greater visual emphasis on the carving and figure of the stock.

The walnut stock is unquestionably one of the strongest features of the pistol. It is made from beautifully figured wood, with especially pronounced curl and chatoyancy around the grip. As the stock is moved in the light, the grain produces considerable depth and movement, giving this compact pistol a level of visual richness far beyond its otherwise restrained decoration.

The stock is extensively relief carved. Raised molded panels surround each lock plate, while additional molding follows the trigger guard and ramrod pipe. A carved apron surrounds the barrel tang, and immediately below this is a small relief carving that appears to represent the head of a dog or wolf.

The stock remains in very good condition for an arm dating from around the beginning of the 18th century. Some repair work is visible around the securing pin for the ramrod pipe, and several small worm holes are present toward the front of the stock. These areas are fully disclosed, but the stock remains remarkably complete considering its age and delicate construction.

With its twin approximately .41" barrels, two complete flintlocks, compact 7 1/4" overall length, early iron furniture, richly figured walnut, raised lock moldings, carved barrel tang apron, and unusual animal head detail, this is a particularly evocative example of early European pistol making. The absence of a maker's name leaves room for further study, while the quality of the stock and distinctive period architecture give it exceptional display appeal. It would be an excellent addition to a collection of early flintlock arms, French style sporting and personal weapons, double barreled pistols, or firearms illustrating the highly decorative gunmaking traditions of the late 17th and early 18th centuries.

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1690-1710
Caliber: .41" Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 3 inches
Overall Length: 7 1/4 inches
Action: Flintlock 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 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.