Flintlock pistol experts-need a little help! - The Firearms Forum

foxholedining · 04-02-2010, 04:50 PM

I purchased this old flintlock pistol when living in Europe. I believe it is French from the late 1700s but an expert opinion would be greatly appreciated; even a few good guesses would be helpful.
Thanks,
Foxholedining

Jim K · 04-02-2010, 08:20 PM

I would date that pistol to about 1760-1770. Much later and I think it would have had a double gooseneck cock.

It could be an officer's pistol. There is an almost identical one shown in Hicks' French Military Weapons and identified as an officer's pistol c. 1763. It is a bit more elaborate but has the same type of buttcap and the shape of the cock and the pan is exactly the same. Too bad the lockplate inscription is unreadable, but maybe someone can tell what it is.

Value? I have no idea, but I would say at least $1000-1500 on age and general quality alone.

Jim

foxholedining · 04-03-2010, 09:29 AM

Jim,
Thanks ever so much for the reply and your comments are most interesting. I purchased the pistol in Belgium from a friend (collector) and his opinion was similer with yours, but not nearly so precise. Thanks for the feedback!
Brgds,
Foxholedining

04-02-2010, 04:50 PM	#1
foxholedining Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 2	Flintlock pistol experts-need a little help! I purchased this old flintlock pistol when living in Europe. I believe it is French from the late 1700s but an expert opinion would be greatly appreciated; even a few good guesses would be helpful. Thanks, Foxholedining Attached Images -->

04-02-2010, 08:20 PM	#2
Jim K Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 6,408	Re: Flintlock pistol experts-need a little help! I would date that pistol to about 1760-1770. Much later and I think it would have had a double gooseneck cock. It could be an officer's pistol. There is an almost identical one shown in Hicks' French Military Weapons and identified as an officer's pistol c. 1763. It is a bit more elaborate but has the same type of buttcap and the shape of the cock and the pan is exactly the same. Too bad the lockplate inscription is unreadable, but maybe someone can tell what it is. Value? I have no idea, but I would say at least $1000-1500 on age and general quality alone. Jim Last edited by Jim K; 04-03-2010 at 07:20 PM..

04-03-2010, 09:29 AM	#3
foxholedining Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 2	Re: Flintlock pistol experts-need a little help! Jim, Thanks ever so much for the reply and your comments are most interesting. I purchased the pistol in Belgium from a friend (collector) and his opinion was similer with yours, but not nearly so precise. Thanks for the feedback! Brgds, Foxholedining