Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. The Pistolet modèle 1733 was a flintlock cavalry pistol, in service in French units starting from 1733. These Pistols were generally issued in pairs to Cavalry Units and Cavalry Officers (cuirassiers, hussars and uhlan lancers), In less quantity to Naval Officers and in uncommon cases to Infantry Officers.

The modèle 1733 was the designation of the first standardized pistol in France. As a result of a standardization effort under Louis XV, who selected the pistol variant used in 1731 by the Garde du Corps as the basis on which future pistols would be made, this variant would become the Modèle 1733.

This is a gorgeous example of a French 1733 Cavalry pistol which was imported to the United States and is marked with an M on the right side of the stock, denoting that this example was supplied to Maryland. A large number of these dragoon pistols were sent to America for use in the Revolutionary War. For another example, see plate 21.PP on pg. 252 of "Battle Weapons of the American Revolution" by George C. Neumann.

This example has a faceted section towards the breech that transitions into the round barrel. The left side of the breech is stamped with a crown over stylized fleur-de-lis. The flat lockplate is stamped with a fleur-de-lis over "S E" for St. Etienne arsenal. The maker's name "H / CARRIER" is engraved in block letters in the center of the lock. This example has the standard Model 1733 brass furniture.

The pistol is in fantastic condition overall with the walnut stock very well-preserved. The brass furniture has developed a lovely patina and the barrel is in great shape with just a small bit of powder burn. The lock is in its original flintlock configuration and the hammer holds well at half cock and full cock, firing at full with some pressure. The frizzen is still in good shape with the spring a little bit weak. There is a crack at the screw on the rear trigger guard tang, with the lower screw being an old replacement.

The ram-rod on the pistol appears original and still works well. There appear to be some old repairs to the wood on the front side of the lockplate, but they also appear period. The stock has scattered marks from use and a repaired brick with some losses on the left side of the forestock, towards the muzzle.

To find any import pistol with a Revolutionary War connection is a grand feat in itself, but this example is well-marked to Maryland, which makes it a fantastic research project. Comes ready for further research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: C. 1763-66
Caliber: Approx. .69 inches
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Overall Length: 18 inches
Barrel Length: 11½  inches
Action: Flintlock Side Action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

In general, many of these standard pistols shared several superficial qualities with their Musket pattern counterparts; including their Caliber of 0.69" (17.5mm) and many elements of their furnishings. Several iterative variants of this pistol were produced until the Modèle 1763 Pattern; which included some revolutionary changes. One of these additions the Modèle 1763 had compared to earlier Models was the use of a spring based barrel band system; similar to the type used by the Modèle 1763 musket pattern around the same time. This aided in disassembly and maintenance compared to earlier types. The Modèle 1766 was of a similar case, being similar to the modifications made to the musket pattern of the same year. Both the 1763 and 1766 Models became the most popular of all French Flintlock Pistols and remained so until the Modèle 1801 (An IX) was issued to the French Military. Due to the Failure of the 1777/1786 Pattern Pistol to please the French Soldiers, examples of the 1763 and 1766 Patterns were reissued to the troops until 1801.

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