{"product_id":"original-french-modele-1837-navy-percussion-pistol-made-at-chatellerault-arsenal-with-belt-hook-circa-1840","title":"Original French Modèle 1837 Navy Percussion Pistol Made at Châtellerault Arsenal with Belt Hook - Circa 1840","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe barrel tang on this example is correctly marked \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eM'le 1837\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e, and there are also \u003cstrong\u003eCROWN \/ L\u003c\/strong\u003e proof marks stamped on almost every part of the gun. The butt cap is marked with a conjoined \u003cstrong\u003eMB\u003c\/strong\u003e, and retains the original lanyard ring, used to keep the pistol from falling to the decks or overboard. The lock is marked:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eM're R'le\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003ede Châtellerault\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the abbreviation for \u003cem\u003eManufacture Royale de Châtellerault\u003c\/em\u003e (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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese are relatively rare, and this is only the sixth example that we have been able to offer. Ready to display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYear of Manufacture: circa 1840\u003cbr\u003eBore Diameter: 0.60\"\u003cbr\u003eAmmunition Type: Cap and Ball\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBarrel Length: 6 1\/2 inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 11 1\/2 inches\u003cbr\u003eAction: Back Action Percussion\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: Single Shot\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":45061475565637,"sku":"ONSV26NCS167","price":1195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/6DA2CF39-79B9-4137-AF19-E7C2BC457986.jpg?v=1779903793","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-french-modele-1837-navy-percussion-pistol-made-at-chatellerault-arsenal-with-belt-hook-circa-1840","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}