Original Item: Only One Available. This is a small Flintlock pistol from the French Revolution Era, as carried (in a large pocket) by French Gendarmes (Policemen) during the late 1700s and early 1800s. These were standard issue during "The Terror" following the formation of the First French Republic, and stayed in service for thirty or so years, until the end of Napoleon's First Empire.

The pistol is equipped with a 5 inch barrel and has an overall length of just 9 1/2 inches, making it very easy to conceal and maneuver. The bore measures out to about .67 inches, probably for a 5/8 inch ball. It has a lovely walnut stock with all Iron mountings, except for the brass flash pan. The lock plate is unmarked, so this was most likely a private purchase example, possibly produced in Belgium.

The pistol is in overall excellent condition, with a lovely patina of age. The lock functions correctly, holding at half cock and firing at full. Aside from some light handling marks, the stock looks almost unissued. We cannot see any splits or cracks, and it has a lovely glow. The metalwork all has a nice gray patina over it, showing it was well cared for over the centuries. It still has the original ramrod, with a threaded end. The only issue noted is a small dent on the right muzzle, which could easily be corrected. We left it in place, as it appears to be from long ago, and is part of the history of the piece.

A Classic French Flintlock Pistol used by the Gendarmerie, ready to display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1780
Caliber: about .67" pistol
Ammunition Type: Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 5 inches
Overall Length: 9 1/2 inches
Action: Flintlock Side Action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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.