Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a fantastic example of a French Modèle 1837 Navy Percussion pistol, complete with the original belt hook still present on the left side. Holsters were impractical at sea, and the leather would quickly be degraded by the sea environment, so a pistol that could be fastened over the belt was preferable. To prevent loss, the ramrod is a "captured" type, attached with a swivel at the front of the barrel.

The barrel tang on this example is correctly marked M'le 1837, and there are also CROWN / L proof marks stamped on almost every part of the gun. The butt cap is marked with a conjoined MB, and retains the original lanyard ring, used to keep the pistol from falling to the decks or overboard. The lock is marked:

M're R'le
de Châtellerault

This is the abbreviation for Manufacture Royale de Châtellerault (also known as Manufacture d'Armes / Imperieale de Châtellerault), the Imperial Arsenal in central western France. Most of these that we see are made at the arsenal at Tulle, which is where most of the Naval arms were made during this period, however it looks like they were also made at the other arsenals in small numbers as well.

The pistol has the standard 6 1/2 inch smoothbore barrel, 11 1/2 inches in overall length with brass and iron mountings. The stock is lovely, with a dark brown color, and a great polished patina. There is some denting and a few small chips missing, but no major damage, and it has some great "flame" figuring around the grip area, which can be hard to see. The lock is functional, however a strong trigger pull can cause it to discharge at the half cock position, so the tumbler does need some adjustment. The half cock position is also very close to the cap nipple cone, which looks to be a replacement. The bore of this pistol is in great condition, showing little evidence of use.

These are relatively rare, and this is only the sixth example that we have been able to offer. Ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1840
Bore Diameter: 0.60"
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 6 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 11 1/2 inches
Action: Back Action Percussion
Feed System: Single Shot

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.