{"product_id":"original-french-modele-1777-brass-frame-flintlock-cavalry-pistol-by-st-etienne-arsenal-with-intact-belt-hook-circa-1780","title":"Original French Modèle 1777 Brass Frame Flintlock Cavalry Pistol by St.-Étienne Arsenal with Intact Belt Hook - Circa 1780","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOriginal 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 \u0026amp; 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example is marked \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSt. Étienne\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e on the brass frame under the hammer, indicating production at the Royal arsenal located in Saint-Étienne, France. The frame is also marked with a \u003cstrong\u003eCROWN \/ L\u003c\/strong\u003e proof mark over the frizzen spring, controller at St. Etienne from 1777-84. 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 a \u003cstrong\u003e179\u003c\/strong\u003e stamped, which could indicate a bore size of 17.9mm (.704in.). There is also faint cartouche on the left facet of the barrel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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. It looks to have had some type of finish applied in the past, which very well retained. We had considered removing it, but it is part of the history of the pistol, and recommend it be left alone. There is an iron ramrod still present under the barrel, which looks to be original. The lock is fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full, though it requires a strong trigger pull to get it to discharge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA very nice unconverted example of the inspiration for many early U.S. pistol designs. Ready to display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYear of Manufacture: circa 1780\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCaliber: .68\" Pistol - Worn to about .704\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAmmunition Type: Lead Ball \u0026amp; Powder\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBarrel Length: 7 3\/8 inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOverall Length: 13 1\/2 inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAction: Percussion Side Action\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeed System: Muzzle-Loaded\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNOTE: 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44928338526277,"sku":"ONAC261093","price":2495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/FEEDDB55-2E92-46AF-94A9-32B3ACB13763.jpg?v=1777320043","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-french-modele-1777-brass-frame-flintlock-cavalry-pistol-by-st-etienne-arsenal-with-intact-belt-hook-circa-1780","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}