Original item. Only One Available. This is a very nice example of the father of American single shot martial pistols, the French M-1777 Flintlock Cavalry Pistol. This was the pistol the U.S. company of "Simeon & North" copied to create the newly independent United States' first martial flintlock pistol. These pistols are very rare on the market, especially ones such as this that are still in the original flintlock configuration. Most that we have seen were converted to percussion in the mid 1800s.

This model of pistol was adopted to replace the earlier M-1763 cavalry pistol, which was much more traditional in design with a full wood stock. The M-1777 would go on to see service from the U.S. revolutionary war right through to the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte at the battle of waterloo in 1815.

As originally produced, these pistols were brass mounted with wooden rear stock and a cast brass frame, with the trigger guard a separate casting. The lock area has a brazed on integral brass flash pan, with an iron frizzen and pan cover. Early examples such as this were produced with an iron belt hook, which was retained by a mounting screw under the brass frame, but later production pistols did not have them. Most M-1777 pistols encountered today were manufactured without the belt hook, or had the hook removed during the period of use. This example still has the hook, properly secured by a large iron screw inside the trigger guard.

This example is marked Maubeuge on the brass frame under the hammer, indicating production at the Royal arsenal located in Maubeuge, France, today along the Northern border with Belgium. There is also what looks like a stylized star under the hammer, which we have seen on other examples from this arsenal. Unfortunately due to oxidation and wear, the markings on the barrel that would have indicated the model and date have been removed, though there is an 82 stamped, which could be part of an 1782 date.

The pistol is in very good used condition, and as with most we have seen there is a good amount of staining and oxidation on the iron / steel components, while the brass is still in great shape, with a lovely polished patina. The wooden stock is in very good shape, showing dents and scratches, but no cracks or repairs. The pistol also has the original ramrod, which are very often lost. The lock functions correctly, holding at half cock and firing at full.

A very nice unconverted example of the inspiration for many early U.S. pistol designs. Ready to display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1780
Caliber: .68" Pistol - Worn to about .71"
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 7 inches
Overall Length: 13 1/4 inches
Action: Percussion Side Action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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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.